Continuing to be called up to the Vietnamese national team during the FIFA Days in March 2026, striker Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong frankly shared his feeling of pressure when wearing the number 22 jersey that once belonged to his senior Nguyen Tien Linh.
Previously, in the November 2025 gathering to prepare for the match against Laos in the Asian Cup qualifiers, Viet Cuong was once called up by coach Kim Sang-sik but has not had a chance to play. This return, the striker currently playing for Becamex TPHCM club aims to debut for the national team.
Sharing about the jersey number assigned by the coaching staff, Viet Cuong said: "The coaching staff assigned me number 22. This is Tien Linh's jersey number before, so I also have a bit of pressure.
However, the striker born in 2000 affirmed that he will try to turn pressure into motivation to show himself when given the opportunity. Speaking about the competition in the national team's attack, he respectfully said to teammate Nguyen Xuan Son: "Each person has their own strengths. Xuan Son has a truly different level from the other 3 brothers, but they will all compete fairly with each other, there is no problem".
According to Viet Cuong, his strength lies in his mobility and speed - factors that can make a difference in his playing style if given the opportunity to play.
In the early days of gathering, the team mainly focused on consolidating physical strength and regaining competitive feelings. Sharing about his personal goals in this gathering, Viet Cuong said: "I just try to get on the field. Adapting is the hardest thing. I need more time to exchange and catch up with you guys. Wearing the national team jersey is an honor, I will try my best to contribute.
