Following their ASEAN Cup 2024 triumph, coach Kim Sang Sik and the Vietnam national team are now setting their sights on new challenges, including qualification for the Asian Cup 2027 and the 2030 World Cup.

Looking at the squad that secured victory in Southeast Asia’s biggest football tournament, the South Korean coach can be reassured that most key players are still under 30, with only a few exceptions, such as Nguyen Filip, Dinh Trieu, and Doan Ngoc Tan.

However, to ensure sustainable success, Kim Sang Sik must start the process of rejuvenation now, particularly during the FIFA Days training camps in 2025.

With several senior players like Duy Manh, Quang Hai, and Tien Linh potentially past their peak in the next few years, integrating younger talents is essential to maintaining Vietnam’s competitive edge in the long run.

Before Kim Sang Sik’s tenure, former coach Philippe Troussier had already attempted a similar squad overhaul, aiming for long-term benefits.

However, his approach was too drastic and led to a series of disappointing results. This serves as a cautionary tale for Kim Sang Sik, who must ensure that any transition is executed methodically rather than abruptly.

The strategy he employed during the ASEAN Cup 2024 - introducing young talents like Van Khang, Hai Long, and Vi Hao while maintaining a core of experienced players - was a well-balanced approach. However, finding additional young prospects capable of competing at the senior level will not be easy.

Vietnam’s U22 and U23 squads have potential, but there remains a noticeable gap in quality compared to their senior counterparts.

Fortunately, with sufficient time and relatively manageable opponents in the early rounds of Asian Cup 2027 qualification, Kim Sang Sik has the opportunity to gradually introduce fresh talent without disrupting the team’s stability.

If executed wisely, this squad rejuvenation could ensure Vietnam remains a formidable force in Asian football while setting the foundation for future successes.

Duy Nguyen