In the list of the Vietnam National Team gathered for FIFA Days in October, goalkeeper Dang Van Lam is still on the list even though he has left V.League to play in the First Division - a league that will only start after the international schedule this month. It is understandable that the Korean coach called Van Lam, because after all, he has worked with this goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, another player who was called up to the national team in September and also left the V.League to play in the First Division is Dinh Thanh Binh. He was not called up for this round, but the reason is injury, not professional. Therefore, many people will believe that it will be Nguyen Cong Phuong's turn in the near future.
Cong Phuong returned to Vietnam after 2 years of "training" in Japan. He did not choose V.League but the First Division, so clearly, coach Kim Sang-sik has not had the opportunity to verify. Not only the 47-year-old strategist, Vietnamese fans are also eager to see what the 29-year-old player "brings from Japan to Vietnam".
It must be admitted that Cong Phuong is among the top quality players in Vietnamese football, so as long as he performs well in the early stages of the 2024-2025 season, the door to returning to the national team - even a place in the ASEAN Championship - is still open. Just like what Mr. Kim Sang-sik opened for veteran striker Nguyen Van Quyet.
The 33-year-old striker was called up for the first time under Kim Sang-sik, and it was completely reasonable because his form was still good at the Hanoi club. Currently, it can be assessed that the Korean coach has been flexible and adaptable to the situation of the Vietnam National Team to expand his options.
Therefore, it will be difficult to compare the professional quality between V.League and the First Division to evaluate the opportunity. It will only be the form and performance to decide the place in the national team. Unless Cong Phuong no longer wants to be in the national team.
