The strongest lineup of Vietnam National Team: Xuan Son starts from the beginning

Vietnam National Team is set to have a powerful lineup for the match against Laos in November with Xuan Son included in the squad.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has announced the 23-player roster for Vietnam National Team preparing for the Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Laos on November 18. The most notable highlight is definitely the return of Xuan Son, the naturalized forward who has fully recovered from injury after being sidelined for 10 months.

This time, Vietnam National Team does not include U23 players due to their preparation for SEA Games 33. Although some newcomers are called up, the core of the strongest Vietnam squad still consists of experienced players like Hoang Duc, Duy Manh, Bui Tien Dung, and the comeback of Xuan Son in the attack.

Goalkeeper: Dang Van Lam

With Filip Nguyen not called up and Tran Trung Kien busy with the U23 Vietnam team, Van Lam will be the best choice for the goal. Despite some doubts about his foot skills, this Vietnamese-Korean goalkeeper’s experience and excellent reflexes remain strong assets worth considering.

Center backs: Bui Tien Dung - Thanh Chung - Duy Manh

In such a crucial defensive position, Coach Kim Sang Sik will surely prioritize solidity even though the opponent is Laos. The Korean tactician may keep the same defense line from AFF Cup 2024 with Bui Tien Dung, Thanh Chung, and Duy Manh, all being top-class players with ample experience.

Since the match against Malaysia in June, Thanh Chung has been called up again. After missing previous camps due to poor form, the best center back of Vietnam at AFF Cup 2024 has regained Coach Kim Sang Sik’s trust and is expected to reclaim his starting spot.

Wingers: Pendant Quang Vinh - Truong Tien Anh

The two wings of Vietnam’s team will likely still be entrusted to Pendant Quang Vinh and Truong Tien Anh. The left flank is currently the main attacking threat for Vietnam, leveraging Quang Vinh’s mobility, creativity, and accurate crossing. Competitors for this spot include Van Vi and Phan Tuan Tai.

Meanwhile, on the right wing, Truong Tien Anh remains an important figure for Coach Kim Sang Sik due to his excellent stamina and consistent ability to support both offense and defense. Although Le Van Do has been called up, it is unlikely he can compete when Truong Tien Anh is in good form.

Central midfielders: Hoang Duc - Le Pham Thanh Long

Hoang Duc is undoubtedly an irreplaceable player for Vietnam National Team at this moment. The "Golden Dragon" maestro has maintained stable form recently, continuing to control the tempo and distribute the ball to teammates. He will be the key playmaker for Vietnam.

Le Pham Thanh Long may play alongside Hoang Duc in a box-to-box midfield role. Vietnam currently lacks a true defensive midfielder to cover for Hoang Duc. Thanh Long is the best option compared to others who tend to be more attack-minded like Quang Hai or Bao Toan.

Forwards: Van Vi - Xuan Son - Hai Long

The return of Xuan Son is also seen as a positive sign for Vietnam’s attack. According to VFF, Xuan Son has fully recovered and is ready to rejoin the national team. Therefore, despite just returning, this naturalized striker is more than capable of starting the match and quickly regaining his playing rhythm.

Supporting Xuan Son will be the duo Van Vi and Hai Long. Van Vi will be prioritized on the left wing due to his good chemistry with Xuan Son; although originally a fullback, he has strong attacking tendencies. Meanwhile, Hai Long is a versatile attacker who can drop back to support midfield or act as a dangerous offensive spark upfront.