'The 1.81m 'Assassin' of HAGL called up to Vietnam U21?

The 20-year-old striker Nguyễn Minh Tâm of HAGL is said to be listed in the initial Vietnam U21 roster for ASIAD 20.

The decision by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to send the Vietnam U21 team to participate in ASIAD 20 in Japan opens a significant opportunity for many outstanding young players. Among them, Nguyễn Minh Tâm from HAGL has unexpectedly been mentioned as part of the preliminary Vietnam U21 squad, according to a fanpage of the Mountain Town club's supporters.

Born in 2005, Nguyễn Minh Tâm is making notable progress in his career. The 1.81m tall forward attracted attention at the 2024 National U21 Championship before earning a chance to play in the 2025/2026 V.League. In just 10 appearances this season, he has scored 3 goals – an impressive figure for a 20-year-old player.

The most striking performance from Minh Tâm came in round 13, when he scored to help HAGL defeat Ninh Bình FC 2-1 away. That goal not only showcased his scoring instinct but also demonstrated the confidence and opportunistic ability of a young striker in a highly competitive environment.

According to some experts, Minh Tâm's playing style bears many similarities to former star Lê Công Vinh. He possesses excellent acceleration, smart movement to exploit spaces, and especially a precise finishing ability inside the box. These qualities have earned him the reputation as HAGL's emerging “assassin.”

In the context of VFF adopting a long-term strategy by letting the U21 squad gain experience at ASIAD to prepare for the 2028 AFC U23 Championship and Olympic ambitions, Minh Tâm’s inclusion in the preliminary list reflects confidence in players born after 2004. This is not only a reward for personal effort but also an indicator of improving youth training quality.

Although it is only a preliminary list and not a final decision, this news carries great significance for the 20-year-old forward. If he maintains his form in the V.League, Nguyễn Minh Tâm can fully turn this U21 Vietnam challenge into an important stepping stone for his international career in the future.