Vietnam's U23 team impresses coach Kim Sang Sik

Le Van Thuan's impressive performance streak is becoming the most notable highlight of V-League 2025/26. At 20 years old, this versatile player who can perform as a forward not only scores goals but also decisively influences the match every time he appears.

The 3-0 victory byNinh Binhagainst PVF CAND is the clearest evidence. In a match where the former capital's team completely dominated, Van Thuan's impact still stood out remarkably.

The goal that increased the score to 3-0 was not a tense "rescue" moment like the wins in rounds 17 and 18, but it carried a meaning of affirmation.Van Thuannot only shines in decisive moments but can also contribute in commanding victories.

More importantly, that scoring play occurred under the observation of Kim Sang Sik, who is directly monitoring and seeking new talents for the Vietnam national team.

Looking back at Van Thuan's brief journey at Ninh Binh, one sees a familiar script. That is entering from the bench, moving intelligently, and scoring the "golden goal." Previously, Thuan secured a 2-1 win against Becamex TP.HCM in the 90+5th minute, or "finished" Hoang Anh Gia Lai with a goal in the 84th minute.

Three goals in the last three matches, bringing in 9 points, that efficiency is not only impressive but also decisive.

It is noteworthy that Van Thuan is not a pure striker type. The player transferred from Thanh Hoa originally is a midfielder, can play wide, and participate in organizing the play. But precisely that flexibility becomes an advantage.

Thuan reads situations well, chooses positions shrewdly, and is especially dangerous in penalty area penetrations. Without needing too many touches, without elaborate handling, Van Thuan knows how to appear at the right moment to finish.

Under new coach Bae Ji Won, Van Thuan remains crucial and creates breakthroughs. The versatility of the 20-year-old player provides the coaching staff with additional tactical options, especially in the final stages.

One cannot overlook the role of the surrounding satellites. Geovane Magno remains the spearhead in the attack, while Gia Hung or Thanh Trung create balance. But Van Thuan is the one who brings the difference.

When foreign players show signs of slowing down, a young domestic player rises to shoulder the scoring responsibility, which is rare in V-League.

In the national team, Van Thuan's emergence brings much hope. Vietnamese football has long lacked a domestic striker "with a knack," someone who can seize opportunities in tense matches.

Van Thuan, with his scoring instinct and composure astonishing for a 20-year-old, could be the answer. His continuous impressing under coach Kim Sang Sik's eyes is not coincidental.

Of course, the road ahead is still long. Van Thuan needs to improve his stamina, experience, and handling in tight spaces. But the most important things—confidence and instinct—this player already possesses.

For Ninh Binh, Van Thuan's form arrives at the right moment. The race for the top 3 heats up each round, and every point can decide the season's outcome. Three consecutive victories, including a solid 3-0 win, show the former capital's team is accelerating strongly.

In that journey, Van Thuan's footprint is undeniable. A rising U23 star, a thriving club, a national team coach watching closely—these elements create a promising story.

If he continues maintaining this form, Le Van Thuan could become a pillar of Vietnamese football in the near future.