The success of the Vietnamese team at the ASEAN Cup 2024 with the great contribution of striker Nguyen Xuan Son makes the story of using naturalized players more topical than ever.
Previously, the naturalization of players in Vietnam was met with many conflicting opinions. Only when Xuan Son appeared, played with dedication and showed good feelings for Vietnam, and at the same time the national team had good results in the regional arena did it create a good effect, did fans have a more objective view on this issue.
In ASEAN countries, football federations neighboring Vietnam such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand have all used or are using naturalized players. Among these, Indonesia is very prominent in creating conditions for foreign-born players. There was a time when the Indonesian team had 11 naturalized players.
Of course, thanks to this policy, Indonesian football has risen to become a formidable opponent in Southeast Asia alongside Thailand. The team from the archipelago has had certain successes.
However, according to Vice President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) - Mr. Tran Anh Tu, naturalization for players in Vietnam will be done selectively.
"Naturalization has become an irresistible trend. But VFF still determines that youth training is the most important. If too many naturalize, this work will be affected. We cannot just rely on naturalization. This issue must be reasonable and moderate.
Indonesia is a typical example. They use a large number of players with mixed blood. We will not do as they do because that would destroy the entire foundation of youth training," Mr. Tran Anh Tu emphasized.
In addition, this leader also believes that the use of naturalized players in the Vietnam national team largely depends on the needs of the head coach for the squad. However, at the same time, young players also need to be given opportunities. Therefore, cases like Xuan Son, although creating highlights, also need to be used appropriately.
Mr. Tran Anh Tu stated his opinion: "There is a view that if SEA Games 33 in 2025 allows the use of over-age players, Vietnam should use Xuan Son and the strongest squad. However, this depends on the coach. Personally, I think Son should be used appropriately. Overusing him is not good."
Of course, if the national team has 40-50% of its personnel being naturalized players, there will probably be many opinions to discuss. However, if resources can meet 10-15%, Vietnamese football can completely open the door for the national team to increase its strength.
However, the process of naturalizing players needs to be initiated by clubs and localities. To do so is still a long process. With the development of internal strength (training youth, improving the quality of the national championship), Vietnamese football probably needs a strategy for using naturalization for each stage.
