Head coach Kim Sang Sik faces a tough challenge in finding the right strike partner for Tien Linh as Vietnam prepares to face Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Tien Linh remains a bright spot

With Xuan Son sidelined due to a long-term injury, coach Kim Sang Sik has every reason to worry about Vietnam’s attacking strength.

However, the South Korean coach can take some comfort in the red-hot form of Tien Linh, who currently leads the V-League scoring charts with 10 goals and 2 assists.

The Binh Duong striker has been one of the most consistent goal scorers throughout 2024, delivering top performances for both his club and the national team.

His form partially offsets the loss of Xuan Son, who remains out with a severe injury and has no confirmed return date.

Coach Kim Sang Sik’s selection dilemma

While Tien Linh’s presence is reassuring, Vietnam will also be without Van Toan for the match against Laos on March 25 at Go Dau Stadium (Binh Duong) due to injury.

Losing two key strikers forces coach Kim Sang Sik to find alternative attacking options to partner Tien Linh and maintain Vietnam’s offensive strength.

This is no easy task, as several forwards from Vietnam’s 2024 ASEAN Cup squad—including Tuan Hai, Vi Hao, and Dinh Thanh Binh - are struggling with form.

Potential new call-ups, such as Nham Manh Dung (Viettel FC) and Ngoc My (Thanh Hoa FC), have shown promise but still require further evaluation and experience at the international level.

Vietnam needs fresh attacking options

With limited choices, coach Kim Sang Sik must quickly identify and integrate new strikers capable of supporting Tien Linh and helping Vietnam secure a spot at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Vietnamese fans hope that, in the coming weeks, the coaching staff will find the right attacking solutions to boost the team’s goal-scoring capabilities.

Duy Nguyen