Vietnam U22 loses Van Truong: an opportunity for Nguyen Cong Phuong.

The U22 Vietnam team lost Nguyen Van Truong to injury at the CFA Team China - Panda Cup 2025, and the gap in the midfield was immediately exposed. In this context, moving Nguyen Cong Phuong to play as a central midfielder emerged as the most viable option for the plan towards the SEA Games 33.

The Van Truong Replacement Problem

Van Truong's injury disrupted the playing style that coach Kim Sang-sik was building for the Vietnam U22 team. Immediately, he had to call up Tran Thanh Trung and Nguyen Duc Viet from Ninh Binh to reinforce the midfield.

Thành Trung carries high expectations but is hampered by his injury history; the image of him in tears on the Thống Nhất stadium pitch shows his desire to contribute, but his consistency remains questionable. Đức Việt has extensive experience from the SEA Games 32, ASIAD 19, and the U23 Asian Championship, but he is often in a reserve role and has been dropped from the squad at the last minute on several occasions. Both need to convince Coach Kim with immediate results.

Cong Phuong – the solution in the midfield.

While attention was focused on Duc Viet or Thanh Trung in the competition against the trio of Xuan Bac - Thai Son - Quoc Cuong, Nguyen Cong Phuong showed the value of a readily available option. He once scored the decisive goal against U23 Indonesia, securing a 1-0 victory and helping U23 Vietnam win the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship.

Under coach Kim Sang-sik, Cong Phuong was often deployed as an attacking midfielder or on the right wing as a forward. However, the 2006-born player's preferred position is central midfielder. He previously captained the Vietnam U20 team and played steadily in the V-League for The Cong Viettel. That foundation gives him confidence, the ability to control the tempo, and powerful long-range shots – qualities that the Vietnam U22 midfield needs.

Tactical impact if Cong Phuong is moved to the center of the field.

Returning Cong Phuong to the center gives the U22 Vietnam team a focal point to organize their game. His ability to control the tempo allows him to distribute the ball smoothly, while his long-range shots create an option for finishing from the second line. With a midfielder who can perform well in both roles – regulating the tempo and threatening the goal – Coach Kim has more variables to connect with attacking players like Xuan Bac, Thai Son, and Quoc Cuong.

Compared to the risky gamble on players who haven't yet adapted or whose form is inconsistent, the option of Cong Phuong offers greater peace of mind. He is accustomed to playing at the highest level and has experience in the V-League, which is sufficient to meet the demands of pressing, transitioning, and controlling the tempo in tense matches.

Short-term and long-term significance

In the short term, Cong Phuong is the solution to replacing Van Truong in midfield. In the long term, redefining his role opens up a direction for building a core playing style for the Vietnam U22 team before the SEA Games 33 and further ahead to the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.

Key facts

• Nguyen Van Truong suffered an injury at the CFA Team China - Panda Cup 2025.
• Immediate goal: SEA Games 33 in Thailand.
• Nguyen Cong Phuong, born in 2006 (19 years old), plays for The Cong Viettel and has experience in the V-League.
• The decisive goal against U23 Indonesia gave U23 Vietnam a 1-0 victory and the title of Southeast Asian U23 Championship 2025.
• Coach Kim Sang-sik has called up Tran Thanh Trung and Nguyen Duc Viet to reinforce the midfield.

The next step lies with coach Kim Sang-sik's choice. But with his playing record, preferred position, and ability to meet tactical requirements, Cong Phuong is very close to taking on a central role in the solution for the Vietnam U22 team after Van Truong's injury.