Van Hau regains his form for the Vietnam national team

Doan Van Hau is making a comeback to the role that defined his brand at the national team—left-back. The player born in 1999 offers a crucial answer for coach Kim Sang Sik before the mission to retain the ASEAN Cup 2026 crown.

As the Vietnam national team possesses a deep squad in many positions, the left flank is not highly rated. However,Van Hauis gradually regaining his top-class level to win over home fans.

Left-back is a position that coach Kim Sang Sikhas long trusted with Jason Quang Vinh. However, the Korean coach had to adjust his personnel when Quang Vinh was unavailable for the national team due to participating in an Asian club competition with his club.

Van Hau is currently considered without a rival at his preferred left-back position. With an ideal physique, strong tackling ability, extensive international experience, and versatility to play as a left-back or left-sided center-back, the 27-year-old has become coach Kim Sang Sik's top choice.

The friendly match against Myanmar, a 4-0 win, brought many positive signs but also highlighted that the left flank still lacks the necessary stability.Van Hauoften pushed forward to support attacks as per his strength, yet the space behind him was repeatedly exploited by Myanmar.

Part of the reason lies with left-sided center-back Nhat Minh, a young player starting for the national team for the first time, who still lacks experience in covering and coordination. This young player has much to learn, and Van Hau's presence will be a pillar to help Nhat Minh grow faster in the national team environment.

If the left flank is still being perfected, the right flank stands out as a bright spot. Truong Tien Anh is currently regarded as the best crosser among Vietnam's right-backs, delivering a series of quality assists for his teammates to score.

The same age as Van Hau, Tien Anh brings abundant energy in every forward run. Behind him is right-sided center-back Xuan Manh, who possesses excellent aerial ability and just scored a goal against Myanmar.

Clearly, the right flank provides more reassurance and effectiveness than the left. This will serve as motivation for Van Hau to assert his value, proving he remains the top full-back in Vietnamese football.

In the match against Myanmar, Van Hau delivered a pinpoint cross for Xuan Son to head the ball, but unfortunately it went just wide of the goal. If such combinations are executed more frequently, Vietnam's attack with Xuan Son, Dinh Bac, or Hoang Hen will have many more scoring opportunities.

Not only strong in crosses, Van Hau is also a lethal weapon in set pieces thanks to his height and aerial ability. Alongside Van Hau, Vietnam still has Nguyen Van Vi to create competition.

Van Vi possesses speed, skill, and sharpness in penetrating to score. However, in terms of experience, physique, tackling ability, and influence on the game, Van Hau is still rated higher and deserves to be the priority choice in the starting lineup.

More importantly, Van Hau's return carries great spiritual significance. Since his comeback in the 3-1 win over Malaysia in March, followed by a 3-0 victory over Bangladesh and a positive performance against Myanmar, the Thai Binh-born defender has gradually regained his feel for the national team.

Van Hau brings balance to coach Kim Sang Sik's tactical system. When both flanks possess full-backs with comprehensive attacking and defensive abilities, the "Golden Star Warriors" will have another powerful weapon to aim for defending the ASEAN Cup 2026 title.