Vu Van Thanh only played half a game for the Vietnam national team under coach Philippe Troussier. He was overlooked in the most recent training session. However, at the most important moment in 2023, the French coach will likely have to rely on Van Thanh to solve the problem on both wings.

The test failed.

One of the reasons why Mr. Troussier was questioned by fans was his constant experimentation with the two full-back positions. Among them, Truong Tien Anh was given regular opportunities but his performance was not convincing enough for fans.

During this period, Van Thanh and Tan Tai were controversial names every time the Vietnamese national team gathered. They were still called up but had almost no chance to play. Coach Troussier experimented with Ho Van Cuong and Pham Trung Hieu instead of players who had proven their level and had a long-standing position in the national team.

Compared to Tan Tai, Van Thanh has even less opportunities. Even on the left wing, Coach Troussier chose Trieu Viet Hung, Vo Minh Trong, Khuat Van Khang instead of using Van Thanh.

The testing process in the friendly matches seems to be an unsuccessful experiment for Coach Troussier. Whether Tien Anh was eliminated due to injury or technical reasons, using this player in the previous matches did not bring any solution in the upcoming 2 matches.

When other players could not meet the professional requirements, or even make any difference, Vu Van Thanh returned. Not only that, he was one of Mr. Troussier's brightest choices.

Van Thanh regained his position.

Vu Van Thanh is among the players with the best form in the current Vietnam team. The defender born in 1996 performed well on the training ground and satisfied Coach Troussier. The French coach's trust in Van Thanh could be one of the reasons he dropped Tien Anh.

The former HAGL player has the qualities that fit the requirements of Coach Troussier. In fact, the Vietnamese team still plays with a formation of 3 central defenders, 2 full-backs play an extremely important role in this tactical system. They need to have endurance and the ability to attack and defend regularly.

Full-backs need to know how to progress the ball and break through the opposition defense in situations where the midfield and forward lines of the Vietnam team can fall into a deadlock. When Van Hau was injured, Van Thanh and Tan Tai were not used, the ability to attack the flanks of the Vietnam team was significantly reduced.

At this time, Phan Tuan Tai can develop the ball better on the left wing. But to have balance and avoid being dependent on one direction of attack, Van Thanh can start and support the attack.

Coach Troussier still has to eliminate 5 more players. In theory, the right-back position has 3 players: Van Thanh, Xuan Manh and Van Cuong. One of Van Thanh's advantages is his versatility. He can also solve the problem on the left wing of the Vietnam team when Coach Troussier cannot use Doan Van Hau in the next few months.

At this time, Van Thanh is the best choice for Mr. Troussier. 3 assists after 3 matches in V.League are a guarantee for the form of the player born in 1996. Van Thanh really needs 1 goal or simply a good enough performance against the Philippines team to mark his return to the national team.

Mai Phuong