Vietnam's strongest lineup against Malaysia: Overseas Vietnamese star starts

Vietnam will have a very strong lineup to face Malaysia in March when Xuân Son and a series of overseas Vietnamese stars are called up.

Vietnam's squad list is being revealed as many parent clubs have announced their players being called up. The Golden Dragons will have two important matches in March: a friendly against Bangladesh and a rematch with Malaysia in the Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, decisive for securing a ticket to the finals.

With the preliminary list partially announced, let's find Vietnam's strongest possible lineup for the match against Malaysia.

Goalkeeper Patrik Lê Giang:

Coach Kim Sang Sik called up 5 goalkepers in this training camp, but three are overseas Vietnamese players: Patrik Lê Giang, Văn Lâm, Filip Nguyễn, along with Đình Triệu and Trung Kiên. Considering only V-League, Patrik Lê Giang is currently the player with the highest and most consistent form throughout the season.

Although Trung Kiên also has high form, being quite young and if given a chance in such an important match could affect the psychology of the U23 Vietnam goalkeeper. Based on his performances in V-League over recent seasons, excelling in footwork and good catching skills, Lê Giang deserves the opportunity.

Center-backs: Văn Hậu - Đình Trọng - Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh

The notable return of Văn Hậu and Đình Trọng in this training camp will be crucial for Vietnam's squad. Bùi Tiến Dũng's injury leaves the left-sided center-back position lacking. Văn Hậu, originally a wing defender, can fully drop back to play center-back and utilize his good attacking initiation ability.

"Western expert" Đình Trọng also deserves a chance due to his extensive international experience, always having a knack when facing Malaysia. Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh could be the remaining choice forming a trio of CAHN center-backs, giving Coach Kim Sang Sik confidence in their默契.

Wing-backs: Pendant Quang Vinh - Trương Tiến Anh

The two wing corridors of the Vietnam national team are likely to continue being entrusted to the duo Pendant Quang Vinh and Trương Tiến Anh. Especially, the left flank is becoming the team's main attacking direction by effectively utilizing mobility, ability to create breakthroughs, and accurate crosses from Quang Vinh.

However, this position still has some competition as Văn Vĩ and Phan Tuấn Tài are both ready alternatives, providing more options for the coaching staff.

Central midfielders: Hoàng Đức - Đức Chiến

Hoàng Đức is definitely an irreplaceable name for the Vietnam national team at this moment. The conductor of the "Golden Dragons" has maintained stable form recently, continuing to take on the role of controlling the match tempo and distributing the ball to teammates. Hoàng Đức is also currently the domestic player scoring the most goals in this V-League season with 6 goals.

To allow Hoàng Đức to freely create, Đức Chiến will be the perfect pairing choice with impressive physique and stamina, taking on the role of ball recovery and contesting in midfield. These two players will also be very默契 as they have played alongside each other for a long time.

Forwards: Văn Vĩ - Xuân Son - Quang Hải

Xuân Son, though struggling to score many goals in V-League, his goal-scoring ability whenever on the international stage is always a terror for every defense. Xuân Son's determination in the return match against Malaysia is very high as he couldn't participate in the first leg due to injury.

Supporting Xuân Son will be the pair Văn Vĩ and Quang Hải. Văn Vĩ will be prioritized on the left flank due to his默契 with Xuân Son; though originally a wing defender, he has a good attacking inclination. Meanwhile, Quang Hải is a versatile attacking player, able to drop back to support the midfield and also be a dangerous spark on the frontline.

Patrik Lê Giang: 'I will dedicate everything to the Vietnam national team'

Ninh Bình's left-footed center-back unexpectedly joins the Vietnam national team