The 2026-2027 season of V.League has begun, with a noteworthy point about clubs being allowed to increase the number of foreign players on the field at the same time (4 people). According to the thinking of previous years, concerns about domestic players, especially young factors, are even more squeezed and suppressed in terms of playing opportunities. But looking from a development perspective, perhaps thinking should also be reversed.
Looking at regional tournaments such as Thailand, Indonesia or Malaysia, allowing 6 to 7 foreign players to play at the same time has turned each training session, each minute on the field into a fierce survival battle. Chanathip is right, football must move forward. If they are just afraid and demand favor, domestic players will only be around their comfort zone.
Another way of thinking covers a wide range, from managers, training centers to individual players.
For a long time, the goal of managers when "buying" foreign players has mainly focused on physique and fitness, ignoring the thinking of playing football. From there, it leads to coaches building a playing style dependent on foreign players, giving rise to a mentality in domestic players about "playing to serve". There is still progress, still achievements, but not worthy of potential.
Therefore, in the new context, the number of foreign players is increasing in quantity and quality, naturalized players (both foreign players and overseas Vietnamese) are increasing, it is impossible to just sit there and complain about being limited in opportunities without effort and striving.
Training with foreign players to compete, confronting foreign players to mature. Remember that, even in the current national team, when the mechanism of summoning players has been more open for naturalized players and overseas Vietnamese, the competitive factor is also very "heavy".
If you don't want one day pure domestic talents to be overwhelmed in the national team, what Chanathip said needs to be understood very clearly, very deeply.
The new season begins with a new mindset. Because it is good for both individuals, for the team and for the football background.
Hope so!
