The star players include goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, centre-back Que Ngoc Hai, wing-back Doan Van Hau, midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai and striker Nguyen Anh Duc.
Vietnam beat Malaysia 3-2 on aggregate in the two-leg final to be crowned the champions of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018.
In tribute to the newly-crowned champions, FOX Sports Asia picked the best 11 players throughout the tournament with the formation set up in Vietnam’s 3-4-3 system.
According to FOX Sports Asia football editor Gabriel Tan, Dang Van Lam is selected for the keeper position due to his ability in keeping things simple and was impressed with his shot-stopping, aerial prowess and dominance in the box.
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Midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai (shirt No.19). Photo: foxsportasia.com |
He only conceded four goals in the whole tournament, in addition to making several five saves in the final second leg to maintain his team’s narrow 1-0 lead.
For Que Ngoc Hai, FOX Sports Asia was impressed with his remarkable transformation from a hot-headed youngster to an exemplary leader, and that was exactly what he was for Vietnam.
“With Nguyen Van Quyet spending plenty of the campaign on the bench, Ngoc Hai took over the captaincy and was a steadying presence alongside the younger Tran Dinh Trong and Do Duy Manh,” Tan said.
On the left wing, 19-year-old Doan Van Hau was selected as the youngster has already established himself as a key player for Vietnam and looks to have an exceedingly bright future.
“Apart from the usual energy and width that wing-backs are expected to provide, Van Hau also possesses the vision and passing ability of a playmaker and could even be deployed in that role later in his career.” said Tan.
Midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai also impressed during the tournament and the Most Valuable Player award is the best recognition of the skilful, left-footed playmaker’s value.
In addition to providing key passes for his teammates, Quang Hai also had three goals to his name.
In the attacking line, veteran Nguyen Anh Duc deserves his place through his ability to strike when it mattered most.
He was Vietnam’s top scorer with four goals in the tournament, including the winning goal in the final return leg at Hanoi’s My Dinh Stadium on December 15.
In the successful journey of the champions, it is impossible to not mention Park Hang-seo’s credit in leading a youthful Vietnam to the regional top position.
The strategist from the Republic of Korea has revolutionised Vietnamese football but is also unafraid to blood youngsters on the biggest stage, and had his faith fully repaid by the likes of Van Hau, Phan Van Duc and Do Hung Dung, according to FOX Sports Asia.
Source: VNA