Xuân Son conquers a new record with the Vietnam national team

After only 8 appearances for the Vietnam national team, Xuân Son possesses an unprecedented "massive" efficiency with 10 goals. Not merely the primary scorer, the 1997-born forward is showing the class of a star capable of reassessing goal-scoring norms and setting new milestones for Vietnamese football.

The brace againstMalaysiaon March 31st at Thiên Trường Stadium was not simply two goals. It was a resounding affirmation fromXuân Sonagainst all doubts.

Within just the first 8 minutes of the second half, the 1997-born striker executed two perfect aerial duels, showcasing sharp positioning, clean finishing ability, and a formidable scoring instinct. It is no coincidence that experts call Son a rare, all-around forward model in Vietnamese football.

Reaching the milestone of 10 goals after only 8 matches enablesXuân Sonto become the fastest player in national team history to achieve this mark.

That number is not only impressive but also symbolic, because previously, top scorers all required more time to reach a similar milestone. Xuân Son, in his own way, is shortening all limits.

What is noteworthy is that Xuân Son's journey has not been smooth. He faced a serious injury, was doubted about his physical condition, and even questioned about his form after matches without scoring.

But instead of speaking out, Xuân Son chose to answer on the pitch. The brace against Malaysia is the clearest proof; when at his best, Son is almost unstoppable.

In Xuân Son, one sees the complete qualities of a "box assassin." These include positioning ability, diverse finishing, excellent aerial play, and particularly, composure before the goal.

But what sets him apart is his ability to shine in major matches. At the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Son scored up to 7 goals, including crucial strikes against Thailand in the final. That is the mark of a great player, one who not only scores, but scores at the right moment.

Not only a scorer, Xuân Son also contributes to the overall play. He has provided assists, is ready to combine, and acts as a wall for teammates. His partnership with Hoàng Hên is a typical example.

These two players understand each other's every move, forming a promising "double threat." With quality satellites around him, Xuân Son becomes even more dangerous, as he is no longer isolated but always has multiple support options.

With his current form, Xuân Son entering the top of the greatest scorers in Vietnam national team history is only a matter of time. Son is one goal behind former national team captain Minh Phương, two goals behind Trọng Hoàng, Công Phượng, Anh Đức, one goal behind former national team player Phan Thanh Bình, and four goals behind Quang Hải (Công an Hà Nội).

The Top 5 also includes Văn Quyết (16 goals/58 matches), Hồng Sơn (18 goals/41 matches), Tiến Linh (26 goals/65 matches), Huỳnh Đức (27 goals/53 matches), and leader Lê Công Vinh (51 goals/83 matches).

Xuân Son shows he is ready to conquer the Top 5 this year itself as the national team still has two ASEAN Cup periods and FIFA Days. The 29-year-old striker is at the peak of his career and eager to leave his mark. Son is maturing in all aspects, meaning ahead lies a long journey to conquer new milestones.

However, the greatest value thatXuân Sonbrings does not lie solely in numbers. He brings confidence that Vietnamese football can possess a forward of sufficient caliber to compete at the continental level.

In the context of the national team aiming for the 2027 Asian Cup and further the World Cup qualifiers, a stable scorer like Xuân Son is precisely the foundation for building ambitions.