Vietnam's national team lineup is extremely strong with a star-studded naturalized squad

Vietnamese football is undergoing a significant transformation under the leadership of coach Kim Sang Sik, with many talented foreign V-League players likely to be called up to the national squad in the near future.

Not only focusing on modern tactics, coach Kim Sang Sik and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) have proactively submitted several naturalization proposals for high-quality foreign players in the V-League. These players not only meet the 5-year residency requirement but also show impressive form, expected to boost the strength of Vietnam's national team soon.

If all the players proposed by VFF for naturalization succeed, the "Golden Star Warriors" are set to have an incredibly strong lineup blending technique, physique, speed, and international experience. In a modern 3-4-3 formation, this is Vietnam’s "dream" squad featuring a powerful group of naturalized stars.

Defense solid as a fortress

Guarding the goal is Patrik Lê Giang (Ho Chi Minh City Police), a Slovakian-Vietnamese goalkeeper whom VFF and coach Kim Sang Sik are proposing for naturalization support. Patrik has quick reflexes, good footwork, and extensive experience in Europe. His presence is expected to bring confidence to Vietnam’s defense, which currently needs a world-class goalkeeper.

In front of Patrik is a very solid central defensive trio consisting of Janclesio (Ninh Binh), Gustavo (Da Nang), and Kyle Colonna (Viettel Army). All three have ideal physiques, modern tactical awareness, and versatile defensive skills.

Janclesio is a Brazilian center-back who has played in Vietnam since 2019, known for his tackling, positioning, and effective cover. Alongside him, Gustavo, Da Nang’s 1.95m tall "steel wall," has over six years in the V-League, excelling in aerial duels and serving as a true defensive leader with a strong voice on the pitch.

Completing the defensive trio is Kyle Colonna, an American-Vietnamese center-back from Viettel Army, bringing youth, speed, and smart ball-handling from the backline.

Midfield full of stars

The two wings in the 3-4-3 formation belong to Kevin Phạm Ba (Nam Dinh) and Cao Pendant Quang Vinh (Hanoi Police), players capable of advancing to support attacks and contributing effectively to defense. Kevin is a Vietnamese-descended defender with stable form, disciplined play, and high energy. Pendant, who has played in France, possesses technical skills and precise passing, promising to add strong momentum to the left flank.

At the center are the duo Hoàng Đức – Geovane Magno (both from Ninh Binh FC). While Geovane is regarded as the "creative brain" with refined technique and top-notch playmaking abilities, Hoàng Đức acts as the conductor, coordinating, pacing, and maintaining balance in the gameplay. This midfield pair is considered one of the best in Southeast Asia.

Devastating attack

Just ahead of the midfield line is Hendrio (Hanoi FC), a Brazilian attacking midfielder known as the "magician" of the V-League. After several years in Vietnam, Hendrio meets the residency requirement for naturalization proposed by VFF. Wearing the national jersey, he would bring immense creativity to the attack.

Up front, Gordon Rimario (Thanh Hoa) is regarded as a true "monster." The Jamaican striker has played over six years in Vietnam, boasting speed, strength, and lethal finishing. According to VTC News, coach Kim Sang Sik has officially proposed Rimario's naturalization, seeing him as the perfect missing piece for the Vietnamese squad.

Alongside him is Nguyễn Xuân Son (Nam Dinh), one of Vietnam’s most consistent forwards over many seasons, with excellent positioning and diverse finishing skills. The combination of Rimario and Xuân Son promises a powerful and flexible attack capable of breaking through any defense in the region.