In the opening match of the AFC Champions League 2025 at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh Steel Club used a "all-western" squad against Thailand's opponent Ratchaburi.
Accordingly, Nam Dinh's main squad includes goalkeeper Caique Santos (former Brazil U20 player); central defenders Lucas Alves - captain, Walber Mota and Mitchell Dijks; midfield is Caio Cesar, Romulo and Percy Tau and attack has Mahmoud Eid, Brenner. In addition, Kevin Pham Ba - a Vietnamese-American player plays as a full-back.
The only domestic player in Nam Dinh's starting lineup is midfielder Ly Cong Hoang Anh. He plays an important and indispensable role in the home team's playing style, especially his high form in recent times.
On the bench, the team from Thanh Nam still has many notable names such as striker Kyle Hudlin, rookie Kristoffer Normann Hansen, and a series of other quality players such as Lam Ti Phong, Van Toi, Van Vi, Van Cong or goalkeeper Nguyen Manh.
The use of a squad with mostly foreign players shows Nam Dinh's ambition in the continental arena with squad depth in all three lines.
Against a not-so-outstanding opponent in the Thai League like Ratchaburi, coach Vu Hong Viet and his team can completely aim to win all 3 points right at home.
