Central defender is silent
U22 Vietnam won the 33rd SEA Games Gold Medal with many memorable moments. Fans often mention Dinh Bac's decisive shot, or the impressive saves of goalkeeper Trung Kien.
However, behind that victory there were still silent contributions, but no less important than the central defender Nguyen Nhat Minh - a player who played a key role in maintaining stability for the defense of U22 Vietnam.
Not the type of central defender that creates explosions in the press, Nhat Minh has participated throughout the journey of U22 Vietnam with solidity, discipline and good situation reading ability. In the context of the team facing many difficult times, especially in the final match against Thailand U22, the calmness of the defense helped Vietnam U22 not fall into a "matchless" situation.
Regarding personal tasks, the U22 Vietnam midfielder is required to focus maximum on defense, maintain team distance and limit errors. When conditions permit, he is allowed to participate in supporting the attack. Nhat Minh assessed himself as having matured in terms of competitive spirit, especially at times when the team was under great pressure.
The 33rd SEA Games have ended for nearly a week, but the emotions are still intact with Nhat Minh: "Up to now, I am still very proud and happy. This is a medal that the whole team has tried very hard to win.
For the midfielder born in 2003, this title has great significance, not only for the collective but also an important milestone in his personal career.
Not only at the 33rd SEA Games, Nhat Minh is also an important factor in the journey to win the 2025 U23 Southeast Asian Championship of U23 Vietnam. In the friendly tournaments in China in March and September, the Hai Phong player made a significant impression despite having to face strong opponents such as: Korea, Uzbekistan...
Continuously competing in regional tournaments helps Nhat Minh accumulate international experience, creating a foundation for further goals.
From HAGL-JMG to the position at Hai Phong FC
Nguyen Nhat Minh grew up from the 4th course of HAGL JMG - which helped him form the technical foundation and thinking of playing football. At the youth level, he won 2 U19 runner-up positions and 1 National U21 championship with Hoang Anh Gia Lai, thereby participating in many Vietnam youth teams.
"adulting from HAGL JMG training center helps me have a very good foundation in technique and thinking of playing football. That is an important baggage for me throughout my career" - Nhat Minh said.
However, Nhat Minh's path to top football has not been comforting. After signing a contract with Hai Phong Club in early 2023, he was loaned to Long An to compete in the National First Division.
But for the midfielder born in 2003, this period is necessary for him to accumulate experience and get acquainted with the professional competition environment.
Returning to Hai Phong, like many other young players, Nhat Minh did not have a starting position. He spent a long time on the bench and waiting for an opportunity.
When I first came to Hai Phong, from the initial excitement of playing for my hometown team, I fell into a feeling of being lost when I had to be on the bench for too long. There were times when I sat outside watching my teammates compete, and felt helpless and sad. But it was those gaps that helped me realize that opportunities do not come naturally, I have to be patient and prepare. Then, when Uncle Nghiem (coach Chu Dinh Nghiem) gave me the opportunity, even if it was just a few minutes, I took it with all my long-standing desire to stay here, to become a core part of the team - Nhat Minh shared.
February 17, 2024 marked the first time Nhat Minh played in the V.League for Hai Phong Club. Since then, he has gradually gained the trust of the coaching staff and become a familiar choice in defense. To date, the 22-year-old central defender has played 45 matches for the Hai Phong team.
Under the guidance of coach Chu Dinh Nghiem, Nhat Minh has promoted his role in the 3-center-back formation. His ability to pass the ball, judge situations and fight aerial skills helped him stand firm against foreign strikers in the V.League.
Currently, Nguyen Nhat Minh is one of the U23 players with the most experience playing in the V.League. Looking forward to the U23 Asian finals, he said that the immediate goal of the whole team is to pass the group stage, before thinking about further milestones.
With a persistent accumulation journey, the midfielder born in 2003 is gradually affirming her position in the next generation of Vietnamese football players.
