What do you see in the latest list of U23 Vietnam?

There are almost no surprises from this list when the names that were eliminated had reasons for not meeting the requirements from the Doha Cup, new and old names were added thanks to the training from V-League 1, 2-2023.

Accordingly, those not on the list for the Doha Cup this time include goalkeeper Liem Dieu (added Trung Kien and Van Binh), defender Xuan Thinh (added Van Cuong), midfielders and strikers: Sy Chinh, Minh Khoa, Vinh Nguyen (added Xuan Tien, Duc Hoang, Duc Phu, Thai Son, Nam Truong, Dinh Duy, Van Tung and Vy Hao). Of course, before the match, the 31 names called were also shortened to 23 members according to the regulations. Therefore, there will be 8 players eliminated like any selection for the most satisfactory squad of Mr. Troussier.

U22 Vietnam with 31 players summoned will regroup from April 16, preparing for SEA Games 32. Photo: VFF

A good sign for U22 Vietnam and Mr. Troussier is that the call to use young players in V-League 1, 2 is being responded positively by the teams and each player in the "planning" is also playing well to prove their ability according to the requirements. The player who achieved the best result is Van Do at Cong An Ha Noi, when he replaced the injured Van Duc to play in the National Cup and V-League 1 with 2 very beautiful goals. The deadlock in the attack of U22 Vietnam recently could change from Van Do's position if this player is given an attacking role on the wing, instead of having to retreat deep as usual. The goal from Vi Hao's direct free kick in the match between Binh Duong and Song Lam Nghe An also helped the coach find another attacking and finishing option when opportunities opened up with set pieces.

In addition, although he is a natural full-back, Van Cuong was called up for a reason because U22 Vietnam currently lacks a real right-back and the defender from Song Lam Nghe An is the one who can meet that requirement. Van Cuong's performance at the U20 Asian Cup in Song Lam Nghe An created confidence in the coaching staff about a defender who plays well on the ball, participates well in attacks, and can form a formidable attacking pair with Van Do on the opposite side if U22 Vietnam plays the 3-5-2 formation as seen before.

At Song Lam Nghe An, the duo Xuan Tien-Van Cuong are improving day by day, but when they move up to U22 Vietnam, I think Van Cuong's chances of staying on may be higher than Xuan Tien's. The reason is quite clear: the U22 Vietnam defense is currently not creating trust and needs to be supplemented and adjusted, and Van Cuong is meeting that urgent requirement to the highest degree.

Meanwhile, the U22 Vietnam midfield has solid and stable players such as Cong Den, Duc Viet, not to mention Van Khang or Van Truong who can both be arranged to play in this important line, so the competition for Xuan Tien is very significant. If he cannot make a real impression in the short time of training, Xuan Tien will have a hard time getting a starting position, or even a reserve position.

Of course, those are just wild predictions from outsiders, while vivid reality will give the final accurate result. There is a reason why Mr. Troussier called up 5 players from PVF-Cong An Nhan Dan even though this is a team in V-League 2. Other names from V-League 2 such as Hue, Dong Thap, Hoa Binh... are also very respectable and capable of competing fairly with the 25 players playing in V-League 1.

Official list of 31 U22 Vietnam players summoned to prepare for SEA Games 32. Source: VFF

There will be a reality that players who are on the list in V-League 1 but rarely get to play because they cannot compete with big stars like Van Truong, Van Khang, Duc Viet, Quoc Viet... will still have a place in theU23 Vietnambecause they have clearly demonstrated their abilities in the daily observation of the coaching staff. Meanwhile, Van Cuong, Xuan Tien, Vy Hao, Dinh Duy… although they are regular starters in V-League 1 not only this season, but will have to try very hard to hope to make it to the final list, not to mention the starting list at the upcoming SEA Games.

Coach and players of U22 Vietnam have encountered countless difficulties in the Doha Cup because of the high-class opponents in the continent. It was thought that when returning to the region, Van Khang and his teammates would breathe easier, but in reality, it was never like that, because blocking our way was U22 Thailand, who is considered unrivaled in the region, Malaysia, Indonesia and even Cambodia, who do not give up easily. Therefore, the competition ahead is still extremely fierce and challenging.

Hopefully, Mr. Troussier and his team can shake off the psychological burden of “must win” to play freely and effectively, achieving the best possible results. When Vietnamese football wants to renew and rebuild to meet higher requirements, it is inevitable that there will be confusion, even a few temporary failures, so that we can truly awaken and rise strongly in the most urgent and important places that we are focusing on./.