Hoang Duc and the Large Gap in the Vietnam National Team

Hoang Duc and the Large Gap in the Vietnam National Team At the 2026 ASEAN Cup, Hoang Duc is one of the most important players for the Vietnam national team. The midfielder from Ninh Binh FC appeared in all 8 matches where Vietnam competed to defend the championship and only rested when the situation was settled. Hoang Duc's value is not only in his passing ability. He is the connecting link between defense and attack, capable of holding the ball, breaking the press, dragging the ball through the opponent's front line before choosing the right time to accelerate for an attack. Hoang Duc may miss the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 due to injury. Photo: Le Hieu Statistics show Hoang Duc completed 13 tackles, 9 successful at the 2026 ASEAN Cup. This shows the 2026 midfielder not only organized but also actively participated in defensive duties. But the dense playing schedule caused Hoang Duc health issues. After the ASEAN Cup 2026, he had to treat the groin muscle injury. Coach Chu Dinh Nghi said the midfielder needs 2-3 weeks to recover. Meanwhile, the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 starts on September 25, so Hoang Duc's best condition is still open. What Coach Kim Sang-sik needs to consider is not only if Hoang Duc can return but also prepare a midfield that can operate well without him. The first mentioned is naturally Nguyen Quang Hai. Vietnam national team captain has tactical vision, technique, ability to decide passes and good long shots. At the ASEAN Cup 2026, Quang Hai had difficulties in the early stage but showed more influence in the knockout stage, including scoring against Thailand in the first leg final. Quang Hai plays differently from Hoang Duc. Photo: Le Hieu However, Quang Hai and Hoang Duc are not entirely similar. Quang Hai is more dangerous when playing near the opponent's penalty box, while Hoang Duc has advantages in holding the ball, dragging and breaking the press from the lower area. Pushing Quang Hai too deep to take over all Hoang Duc's work may reduce the creativity of the captain himself. Tran Thanh Trung is a more interesting long-term option. The 2026 Vietnamese-Korean midfielder had a standout performance with 2 assists helping Ninh Binh FC win 4-1 against Hai Phong in the V.League opener. Notably, that was the match Hoang Duc missed. Thanh Trung has technique, ball passing ability and modern thinking. Playing with Hoang Duc at Ninh Binh FC also helps the young player learn organizing the midfield. However, Thanh Trung's international experience is still a big question. He also had health issues so immediately giving him the role of Vietnam midfield conductor would be quite risky for Coach Kim Sang-sik. Tran Thanh Trung is not yet ready to be the leader of the midfield at the Vietnam national team. Photo: Ninh Binh FC If Hoang Duc is absent, a reasonable option may not be finding a player exactly like him because Vietnam national team currently has almost no "Hoang Duc 2.0". Coach Kim Sang-sik may use Tran Long as the base below, bring Quang Hai to a higher organizing role, and give opportunities to talents like Thanh Trung, Hai Long or Hoang Hen depending on the opponent. Nguyen Tuan Anh, although possessing proven technique and ball control, chances to return now are low. The reason is he has not appeared regularly in Vietnam national team recent plans and also missed the ASEAN Cup 2026.