Coach Kim Sang Sik gives a big 'reward' to the 19-year-old center-back

In the 28-player squad of the Vietnam national team preparing for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, the name Dinh Quang Kiet draws significant attention. At just 19, the HAGL center-back not only receives recognition for a mature season in the V-League but is also seen as a long-term 'investment' for Coach Kim Sang Sik's future plans.

If Tran Trung Kien is the hope in goal with his 1.91 m height, then Quang Kiet stands out in defense with his ideal physique of 1.95 m.

The two young players fromHAGLbeing called up to the national team proves that the mountain town club still possesses promising talents worth expecting, despite a difficult season where they only managed to avoid relegation.

For Quang Kietindividually, this call-up is not a favor given to a young player. The center-back born in 2007 has had a truly memorable season, playing 24 matches in the V-League and scoring one goal.

More importantly, the center-back born in 2007 became an indispensable part of HAGL's defensive system during the decisive phase of the season.

Playing alongside experienced foreign center-back Jairo Rodriguez has helped Quang Kiet mature quickly. From a young player who was still uncertain, he gradually improved his ability to read situations, engage in one-on-one battles, and handle the ball under pressure.

Regularly facing quality foreign players in the V-League also provides an ideal environment for the young center-back to accumulate real-match experience.

That is probably why Coach Kim Sang Sikhas always shown special interest in Quang Kiet. Over the past two years, the South Korean strategist has repeatedly called up this player to youth teams and the national team for observation and evaluation. However, unlike previous call-ups that were more about gaining experience, this gathering could open up a genuine opportunity.

Quang Kiet is no longer a young player just stepping out of the academy. This center-back has gone through a pressure-filled V-League season, continuously playing against powerful and experienced foreign strikers. Those lessons are far more valuable than matches at youth level.

The current Vietnam national team still possesses top center-backs like Duy Manh, Thanh Chung, and Viet Anh. However, reality also shows that this generation is gradually entering the prime stage of their careers. Vietnamese football needs to prepare the next generation early, and Quang Kiet is one of the brightest prospects.

The biggest advantage of the HAGL center-back is not just his 1.95 m height. More importantly, he possesses a modern defensive mindset, relatively good ball distribution skills, and is not afraid of physical contact.

Given that the Vietnam national team often struggles against opponents with superior physique, the emergence of Quang Kiet offers an additional tactical option of great value. Coach Kim Sang Sik certainly does not place immediate pressure on the 19-year-old to start matches.

But training alongside experienced seniors like Duy Manh, Thanh Chung, or Van Hau will help Quang Kiet continue to refine himself. Sometimes, a major tournament is not just about immediate results but also an opportunity to prepare for the future.

In the long-term plan aiming for the 2027 Asian Cup or even further, the 2030 World Cup qualifiers, players likeQuang Kietplay an important role. To go far, the national team needs to continuously add new capable elements to carry on the legacy.