Công Phượng's cousin has a 'golden opportunity' with the U23 Vietnam team

Nguyễn Thái Quốc Cường, Công Phượng's cousin, is currently positioned to establish his place in the U23 Vietnam team following remarkable displays in the 2025/26 V-League.

The U23 Vietnam team will convene from October 4 in Hanoi to prepare for the 33rd SEA Games later this year and the 2026 U23 Asian Championship. Besides the overseas Vietnamese players attracting attention like Viktor Lê, Vadim Nguyễn, and Trần Thanh Trung, another notable name is Nguyễn Thái Quốc Cường. The young talent born in 2004 is showing outstanding form in this V-League season.

Born in 2004 in Nghệ An and related to Công Phượng, Quốc Cường developed through the Hoang Anh Gia Lai JMG Academy’s 4th course. Coach Guillaume Graechen highly regards his technical skills, fighting spirit, and versatility in playing multiple positions. After moving to the Nutifood JMG Academy, the French coach continued to trust him, alongside many other promising players.

Wearing the Ho Chi Minh City Police jersey in the 2025/26 V-League, the 21-year-old midfielder has appeared in 6 matches, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists over 471 minutes. Both goals were crucial, helping the team to a 3-1 victory over Becamex TP.HCM and a comeback 3-2 win against SLNA.

Beyond scoring, he plays a vital role in the team’s overall tactics, showing flexibility by effectively performing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or winger. His contributions have propelled Ho Chi Minh City Police to the top of the league standings.

Quốc Cường was summoned to the U23 Vietnam squad under coaches Philippe Troussier and Đinh Hồng Vinh but did not make a significant impact, leading to his absence in recent tournaments. However, his strong form in the V-League now opens the door for him to prove his abilities.

With remarkable progress, Quốc Cường is expected to become a new key player in the U23 Vietnam team, contributing to the goal of conquering the upcoming 33rd SEA Games. It is hoped that Nguyễn Thái Quốc Cường will continue to showcase his talent and be recognized as an outstanding young player, rather than just as Công Phượng’s cousin.