Domestic strikers and pressure in the Vietnam national team

Vietnamese football is entering a period of strong transformation in its attack, where domestic strikers must elevate their level if they do not want to be left behind in the increasingly fierce competition with naturalized foreign players.

Under the tenure ofCoach Kim Sang Sik, the message about a team based on form rather than reputation has been clearly established, which is creating profound changes in how attacking personnel are selected.

In fact, the Korean strategist had early "signaled" the opening of doors for quality naturalized players such asTài Lộcor Hoàng Hên since last year, in order to increase depth and diversity in the attack.

Previously, the Vietnam national team benefited significantly from the emergence of Nguyễn Xuân Son, a key contributor in the journey to winning the ASEAN Cup 2024, helping the team secure its third regional title and making opponents wary.

As the naturalization trend continues to be promoted, the attack ofthe Vietnam national teamnow possesses more options than ever before. However, that also means the pressure on domestic strikers has increased significantly.

Names once considered automatic in the squad such as Nguyễn Tiến Linh or Phạm Tuấn Hải are gradually losing their standing as their form is no longer consistently maintained.Coach Kim Sang Sikdoes not hesitate to sideline veterans to open up opportunities for new faces.

Young players and the new naturalized group are rising strongly. Đình Bắc (22 years old), Việt Cường and Gia Hưng both aged 26, or foreign players like Hoàng Hên and Tài Lộc all maintain more stable form.

Although Xuân Son does not achieve high form at his club, he remains a highly explosive factor for the national team. The combination ofXuân Son, Hoàng Hên and Đình Bắc is considered one of the most promising options, providing a balance of experience, youth, and the ability to make a difference.

A notable point is that the current attack is no longer dependent on a specific individual, but is being restructured towards diversifying roles. Players like Hai Long, Khoa Ngô, or Văn Khang can play multiple positions, making the team more flexible in approaching the opponent's goal.

The upcoming ASEAN Cup will be an important test for the new attack. This is not only about defending the title, but also a measure of Vietnam's ability to rise at the continental level, where scoring efficiency is always the decisive factor.

However, the fierce competition also means a clear warning for domestic strikers. If they do not maintain their form, any player can be completely replaced, regardless of how much they contributed in the past. FromV-Leagueto the current national team, competition is being maintained in a positive direction.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has been building a new attack that is younger, more diverse, and more competitive. Opportunities remain wide open, but only for those who know how to adapt and prove their worth through actual performance.