'Hidden Cards' Xuan Son and Hoang Hen: Will They Bring Good News to Vietnam at ASIAD 20?

Vietnam U21 could create a significant impact at ASIAD 20 by making use of the three overage spots, especially with the naturalized pair Xuan Son and Hoang Hen as key choices.

At ASIAD 18 eight years ago, Coach Park Hang-seo surprised Asia by leading Vietnam’s Olympic team to the semifinals without conceding a single goal until their match against South Korea.

That remarkable success was strongly marked by three overage players: Hung Dung, Van Quyet, and Anh Duc. They not only added "steel" to the team but also served as a mental pillar for the young Thuong Chau generation to soar.

Looking ahead to ASIAD 20, scheduled in Japan in September 2026, Coach Kim Sang-sik is facing a similar challenge. The current young players like Cong Phuong, Le Phat, and Gia Bao, though talented, still lack the "cunning" and match experience needed in attack.

In this context, the plan to use overage slots for the naturalized duo Nguyen Xuan Son (Rafaelson) and Nguyen Hoang Hen (Hendrio) is gaining significant attention.

The first reason this duo is prioritized is their perfect synergy. Years of playing together at Nam Dinh have forged a "telepathic" connection between Xuan Son and Hoang Hen. Bringing an entire attacking axis from club to national team will help Coach Kim Sang-sik save valuable time assembling the squad — a luxury rarely available in short tournaments like the Asian Games.

Tactically speaking, Hoang Hen will act as the "conductor" in the central midfield. With sharp vision and top-level playmaking skills in the V-League, he will be the hub for ball distribution, delivering precise passes to set up scoring chances for the forwards.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Xuan Son — a genuine goal-scoring machine — will be the perfect solution for finishing. His ability to hold off defenders and win aerial duels not only directly results in goals but also draws opponents’ defenders, creating space for younger players like Le Phat or Long Vu to charge from the wings.

The presence of world-class stars like Xuan Son and Hoang Hen will provide a huge psychological boost. The young U21 players will gain confidence knowing they have a smart "supply station" behind them and a "killer" upfront ready to convert chances into goals. This is an optimal model to nurture the next generation on Asia’s top stage.

However, this plan still faces challenges. The VFF and Coach Kim Sang-sik must ensure the naturalized players meet FIFA’s residency requirements (a 5-year period). Moreover, negotiating with their clubs to release them in September — when the V-League season starts — requires significant consensus.

If the legal procedures are resolved, combining the youth of the 2005-2008 generation with the quality of Xuan Son and Hoang Hen could once again allow Vietnamese football to dream of a miracle at the Asian Games.