Xuan Son returns to Vietnam national team: needs time, no pressure

After 10 months away from the pitch due to injury from the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, Nguyen Xuan Son is ready to return to the Vietnam national team training camp before the match against Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The presence of the region's "Top Scorer" brings the hope of solving the problem of goal scarcity that has lasted for nearly a year, but putting the burden of shining immediately is unfair and potentially risky.

10-month gap: from training ground to real combat intensity

Passing a medical is a must, but returning to top form after a 10-month layoff is both a physical and psychological challenge. Ball feel, pace of play, connection with teammates – especially in first touches, in tight spaces – cannot be switched on overnight. Any impatience can lead to errors, psychological distress, or worse, the risk of muscle overload and re-injury.

Laos likely to defend to the death: a test in a confined space

Opponents Laos may opt for a compact defense, prioritizing a low block to block the central spaces. With a newly recovered striker, the challenge lies in maintaining a short movement – ​​change of direction – finish in a cramped area, where each touch is limited in time and space. The one-twos, diagonal runs across the centre-backs and positioning in the “blind zone” between full-backs and centre-backs become key, but all will take time for Son to find his groove.

No pressure to score right away

With Vietnam’s attack having endured nearly a year of stagnation, it’s understandable that expectations are pinned on Son. However, the sensible approach at this point is to see the match against Laos as a stepping stone to reintegration, rather than going all-in for a moment of instant brilliance. The more important goal than individual results is to help him regain his rhythm, coordination and contact habits – the foundation for finishing to become natural, rather than being burdened by pressure to score.

The fulcrum for the entire attack system

Xuan Son’s presence is not only expected to be about goals. The role of “connecting point” to help stretch the opponent’s defense, create space for the second line to run up, or attract fouls on the edge of the penalty area… are indirect but very important impacts. To achieve that, Son needs to be in harmony with the “satellites” around him: the timing of releasing the ball, the rhythm of his teammates’ penetration and trust in the passing phase in the final third of the field. These pieces can only be seamless when he is gradually re-established in the habit of playing slowly.

Risk management to serve long-term goals

The 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers are a long journey, and Xuan Son is an asset to that campaign. The priority is to preserve his fitness and restore his best self over time, rather than risking the immediate gratification of the wait. Once Son regains his confidence and ball-handling consistency, his finishing and impact in the box will come as a natural consequence.

Notable statistics

• 10 months away from the field before returning to the Vietnam national team.
• Injury from the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final.
• Vietnam national team's attack line has gone through a period of goal scarcity for nearly a year.

Signals for the Laos match – and more

The return of the region’s “Top Scorer” is a source of positive energy for the whole team. But especially at sensitive times, the wise choice is to cool down short-term expectations to invest in long-term value. If the match with Laos is used as a transit point – helping Son get used to the rhythm, touch the ball properly, connect with the system – the Vietnam team will receive more than what is shown on the scoreboard in a single evening.

That is the way to turn waiting into a launching pad: slow but steady steps, so that when the opportunity really opens up in the 2027 Asian Cup journey, Xuan Son can shine with the most solid foundation.