Indonesian media express concern over Vietnam naturalizing a European-origin goalkeeper

Indonesian press believes the Vietnamese national team is significantly strengthening by completing the naturalization of a European-born Vietnamese goalkeeper, creating fierce competition ahead of important tournaments.

Indonesia's SuperBall reported that the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has officially finalized the naturalization process for goalkeeper Patrik Lê Giang, thereby adding a quality player to Vietnam’s squad during this crucial upcoming period.

SuperBall assesses that naturalizing Patrik Lê Giang demonstrates Vietnam’s ongoing strategy to boost team strength by recruiting players with European roots, similar to previous successful cases like Đặng Văn Lâm and Filip Nguyễn. This is seen as a key step to enhance professional quality and maintain top status in Southeast Asia.

Patrik Lê Giang developed in the European football environment, standing 1.89 meters tall with a modern playing style. He returned to Vietnam in 2023, previously playing for Công an Hà Nội (CAHN) before moving to Ho Chi Minh City FC. According to SuperBall, his consistent performance and impressive displays have made him the first-choice goalkeeper for the Ho Chi Minh City team this season.

Notably, some Vietnamese football experts cited by SuperBall even believe Patrik Lê Giang shows greater stability and efficiency than Filip Nguyễn, the current number one goalkeeper of the Vietnamese national team. This makes the competition for the goalkeeper spot in the "Golden Star Warriors" particularly noteworthy.

The nearest opportunity for Patrik Lê Giang to be called up is the match between Vietnam and Malaysia in the final round of Group F in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled for March 31 at Thiên Trường Stadium. SuperBall emphasizes that this is a crucial game, not only deciding the group leader but also directly affecting the regional football landscape.

If he plays, Lê Giang will become the third European-origin goalkeeper in Vietnam’s national team history, after Filip Nguyễn (Czech Republic) and Đặng Văn Lâm (Russia). Additionally, coach Kim Sang-sik still has other quality options like Nguyễn Đình Triệu, Trần Trung Kiên, and Cao Văn Bình, creating fierce competition for the goalkeeper position.

At this tournament, Vietnam and Indonesia will face each other again in the group stage of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, sharing Group A with Singapore, Cambodia, and the winner of the play-off between Timor Leste and Brunei. SuperBall highlights that Vietnam will remain a major rival for Indonesia, especially following their recent ASEAN Cup victory marked by the naturalized striker Nguyễn Xuân Sơn, who was the tournament’s top scorer with 7 goals.