How will Coach Kim Sang Sik utilize Hoang Hen in the Vietnam national team?

The appearance of Brazilian-origin midfielder Do Hoang Hen in Vietnam's preliminary list for the March 2026 FIFA Days preparations is expected to introduce a fresh dynamic to Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad.

Since completing the procedures for Vietnamese citizenship, Do Hoang Hen has been closely monitored by experts. However, only in this training camp does the Hanoi FC player stand before the opportunity to realize his dream of wearing the national team jersey.

In the context where Coach Kim Sang Sik is still grappling with the challenge of improving scoring efficiency as Vietnam prepares to face Bangladesh and Malaysia, Hoang Hen's participation provides the Korean coach with an additional personnel solution, hoping to make a difference.

The midfielder born in 1994 is displaying high form in this year's V.League season. After just 9 appearances, he has directly contributed to 9 goals, including 6 scores and 3 assists for Hanoi FC. An average of one goal per match is an extremely impressive figure, surpassing most domestic players in the same position.

Compared to the form of other key strikers, Hoang Hen's prominence becomes even clearer. Nguyen Tien Linh has only 3 goals after 15 matches, while Pham Tuan Hai contributed 3 goals and 1 assist after 13 appearances. Even Nguyen Xuan Son, a name once expected to make a difference, is struggling in his early phase with Nam Dinh, with only 1 goal after 5 rounds. Therefore, Hoang Hen's breakout brings a new vitality to the attack, which lacks unpredictability.

The special aspect of Hoang Hen lies not only in statistical numbers but also in his playing style. Despite possessing skillful Brazilian-style technical foundations, he plays simply, pragmatically, focusing on effectiveness.

Without overly elaborate handling, Hoang Hen moves intelligently off the ball, chooses sensible positions, and makes quick decisions in crucial situations.

He plays versatilely, capable of acting as a withdrawn forward, supporting striker, attacking midfielder, or winger; he can both orchestrate the match tempo as a "conductor" and create assists and score directly.

Additionally, robust physicality and good contesting ability help Hoang Hen gain advantage in duels. With sharp tactical insight, he can effectively "read" the game, thereby providing optimal solutions.

Particularly, Hoang Hen also possesses powerful long-range shooting ability from the second line. This is precisely the weapon Vietnam's team lacks, especially when facing opponents who deploy mass defense.

Not limited to professional aspects, Hoang Hen's presence creates positive competitive pressure within Vietnam's squad. Key pillars like Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, or young promising players like Hai Long will be compelled to strive harder to maintain their positions. This signals the team entering a strong transformation phase, with healthy competition and determination to elevate squad quality.

How to "optimize" Hoang Hen? Coach Kim Sang Sik surely knows better than anyone and has his own plan. With Hoang Hen's qualities, he can shine in Vietnam's jersey as he did previously at Nam Dinh or currently at Hanoi FC.