Which position will Dinh Bac play in the Vietnam national team jersey?

Following a period of absence due to suspension, Nguyen Dinh Bac's comeback raises a significant question for coach Kim Sang Sik: where to position this young striker within the Vietnam national team's gradually forming attacking front?

Where will Nguyen Dinh Bac play, given that Vietnam already has Hoang Hen and Xuan Son?

The convincing 3-1 victory over Malaysia shows that the Vietnam national team has almost established its attacking framework with standout names. Nguyen Xuan Son is the primary center forward, playing the role of a wall and finisher. Meanwhile, Hoang Hen provides mobility and flexibility, capable of playing wide or moving into the central channel.

Notably, Nguyen Hai Long also made a strong impression in the match against Malaysia when deployed as a left-sided forward. His ability to move wide, support defense, and connect play makes Hai Long a suitable link in coach Kim Sang Sik's system. In that context, breaking into the starting lineup is not easy for any player, even a talent who once burst onto the scene like Dinh Bac.

It cannot be denied that Dinh Bac had a brilliant 2026 at the U23 level. He scored 4 goals, won the top scorer title, and contributed greatly to Vietnam U23 winning the Asian bronze medal. At that level, the 2004-born forward was the "core" in every attacking move, playing confidently and with full instinct.

However, upon returning to the V.League environment in CAHN Club's jersey, Dinh Bac fell into a paradox: over 1,000 minutes without scoring. This is not just a matter of form, but also reflects a significant difference in the competitive environment. At the club, Dinh Bac is no longer the center but must serve a system revolving around foreign players. Frequently drifting wide or playing a supporting role significantly reduces his finishing opportunities. Additionally, experienced defenders in V.League also eliminate the familiar gaps present at the youth level.

Nevertheless, a positive point is that Dinh Bac still maintains good playing spirit: moving constantly, daring to finish, not avoiding responsibility. What he lacks now might just be a goal to relieve psychological pressure.

Options for coach Kim Sang Sik to utilize Dinh Bac

Playing on the left flank – the most practical choice. In a three-forward formation, Dinh Bac could be positioned on the left flank. In that setup, Xuan Son plays centrally, Hoang Hen operates on the left, while Dinh Bac utilizes his dribbling ability and creates breakthroughs on the opposite wing. This is the least disruptive option, but it means he must directly compete with Hai Long.

Playing as an attacking midfielder behind the forward: Another option is to pull Dinh Bac down to play as a "number 10", operating behind Xuan Son. This role helps him utilize his technique and creativity. However, this requires high tactical discipline and could affect the team's defensive structure.

Strategic substitute option: Given his current situation, it is highly likely Dinh Bac will not be granted a starting spot immediately. Instead, he could become a "secret weapon" from the bench – a player who creates breakthroughs when opponents tire.

If coach Kim Sang Sik boldly excludes Dinh Bac, it might not be a wrong decision, considering this player's current form at club level. Even in V.League, he faces fierce competition, as new names like Khoa Ngo – who may soon obtain Vietnamese citizenship – continuously make their mark with impressive scoring efficiency.

However, at 21 years old, Dinh Bac still has plenty of time to improve. His current difficulties can be seen as "mandatory lessons" for him to mature and adapt to top-level football. Moreover, compared to Khoa Ngo or Hai Long, Dinh Bac has clear advantages in physique and strength.

Clearly, although no longer the "absolute center" as in U23, Dinh Bac remains a promising talent for Vietnamese football. In the context of the national team's attack having achieved stability, the most plausible position for him at this moment is as a right-sided forward or a tactical rotation option.

The story is not simply about where Dinh Bac will play, but what he can do when opportunity arises. If he can overcome pressure and rediscover his goal-scoring instinct, the door to becoming a key figure at ASEAN Cup 2026 remains wide open for this young forward.