More options for the attack
The appearance of Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong in the Vietnam national team did not surprise fans. In round 10 of V.League 2025-2026, this striker played impressively in the Becamex HCMC squad, contributing to the disruption of Hai Phong's flourishing streak.
In addition to the penalty goal, Viet Cuong also had 7 shots at the opponent's goal and 4 of them were opportunities that could be converted into goals. If it were not for the excellence of Nguyen Dinh Trieu, Viet Cuong could have put his name on the scoreboard more times.
Becamex HCMC's strong return journey has a strong mark on Viet Cuong. In addition to directly scoring, he is also a quality playmaker. In the victory over Hai Phong alone, he created 2 bright opportunities for his teammates to score.
Returning to the Vietnam national team, in the context of the striker's ineffective performance for many months when Xuan Son was absent, coach Kim Sang-sik was forced to take on some new projects.
In addition to the usual choice of Tien Linh and Tuan Hai, the Korean coach gave the opportunity to Pham Gia Hung, Nguyen Thanh Nhan or Nguyen Dinh Bac. And in the gathering to prepare for the match against Laos, Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong became the next face to try his hand at the national team
Step by step transferring to the defense
In defense, coach Kim Sang-sik is also gradually making the transition process. Do Duy Manh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, Bui Tien Dung are all important factors helping the Vietnamese team win the 2024 ASEAN Cup. However, Tien Dung and Duy Manh have begun to show signs of age.
As a central defender who has played for many years in Korea, Mr. Kim did not have difficulty recognizing the problem. That is also the reason why at some gatherings in 2025, young central defenders are called up to try.
Notably, Khong Minh Gia Bao is the next name given the opportunity by the head coach of the Vietnam national team in this November training session.
Unlike many players in the same generation in 1999-200, Gia Bao's starting point was slower. The 25-year-old player has only played in the V.League for the second season of his career. modest in his experience playing at the top, Gia Bao is scoring points for Ho Chi Minh City Police.
After 10 rounds of V.League, Gia Bao was named the main player of 9 matches by Le Huynh Duc, including 8 full matches. Although he is modest at 1m75, Gia Bao has some other commendable qualities in the central defender role.
He clings and presses well. Playing with both feet helps this player to clear danger or attack at any position on the pitch. In particular, a good physical foundation is what Mr. Kim Sang-sik needs, in the context of Duy Manh and Tien Dung, or even Thanh Chung having difficulty meeting the high intensity throughout the 90 minutes.
The journey of Ho Chi Minh City Police in V.League 2025-2026 has the mark of Gia Bao. In the most recent 1-0 victory over SHB Da Nang, this central defender had 8 successful one-on-one challenges with the opponent. In the aerial battle, even though they were at a disadvantage in terms of stature, Gia Bao still had 4/6 victories.
The enthusiasm in each phase of the ball can be clearly seen in a young player like Gia Bao. That is also the motivation for coach Kim Sang-sik to give him the opportunity and test the squad.
