Top 10 Outstanding Young Players of Vietnam at the 2016 AFC U19 Championship

In the draw against the U.A.E, alongside the team's collective effort, the remarkable performance of goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung shone through. The impressive display from the young goalkeeper born in 1997 secured a 1-1 draw for U19 Vietnam despite playing with 10 players. Tien Dung, currently playing for FLC Thanh Hoa, made the switch from defender to goalkeeper in 2012, showcasing his qualities in the goal. With an ideal height of 1.8m for a goalkeeper, Tien Dung excels in controlling the penalty area and making well-timed exits. He remains the top choice for Coach Hoang Anh Tuan in the U19 Vietnam lineup for major tournaments in 2016.

'Never before has Vietnam advanced past the group stage of the AFC U19 Championship, and the country is making every effort to pursue that dream. Among those players, Doan Van Hau stands out as the most determined and ambitious,' praised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on their official website for U19 Vietnam in general and Doan Van Hau in particular. His spectacular goal against North Korea on the opening day, being the youngest player in U19, earned him a nomination for the tournament's most beautiful goals. Born in 1999, playing for Hanoi T&T, left-footed Doan Van Hau is listed as a left-back but excels as a central midfielder with notable support in attacking plays. His calmness and excellent physical condition contributed to successful performances in the last two matches.

Trong Dai committed a foul inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick and receiving his second yellow card, leaving U19 Vietnam with a player down. However, upon reviewing the situation, many argued that the referee was too harsh on Trong Dai. Apart from that incident, the performance of this player, developed by the Viettel training center, is highly praised. Trong Dai, not Quang Hai, was entrusted with the captain's armband by Coach Hoang Anh Tuan for the U19 team. The head coach evaluated him as having the qualities of a leader, modern tactical thinking, a resilient fighting spirit, and, most notably, the ability to adapt to various assigned roles. Depending on each match, Trong Dai can play as a defender or a central midfielder.

Ho Minh Di is the smallest player in the current U19 Vietnam squad. However, this 1m58 tall young man made a memorable impression by scoring a beautiful goal, opening the score against the U.A.E in the recent match. With his agility, tactical awareness, excellent positional play, and refined individual technical skills, Minh Di poses a constant challenge for the opponent's wing defenders. The PVF player is the top choice for Coach Hoang Anh Tuan in the attacking lineup. The U19 Vietnam's left-wing attacks become dynamic and unpredictable with the contributions of Minh Di and Van Hau, both scoring goals in the ongoing tournament.

Bui Tien Dung is the younger brother of goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung. Playing for the PVF training academy, Tien Dung is on loan to Than Quang Ninh in V-League 2016. Born in 1998, this young player possesses an ideal physique, excellent fitness, actively moves around the field, and often appears in crucial areas. With experience in V-League, Tien Dung secures a regular spot in the U19 Vietnam team. He forms a harmonious central midfield duo with Trong Dai, earning the trust of Coach Hoang Anh Tuan.

Ha Duc Chinh is the player who opened the scoring in U19 Vietnam's victory against North Korea in the opening match. In his two years with the U19 Vietnam national team, Duc Chinh has consistently been the top goal scorer in major tournaments. Standing at 1.76 meters tall, born in 1997 in Phu Tho, Duc Chinh is always the first choice for Coach Hoang Anh Tuan. This PVF player is a modern striker, strong, fast, and highly skilled. Strength, heading ability, and versatility are his strengths. Despite missing several good opportunities, his recent beautiful headed goal serves as his affirmation to the hometown fans.

Quang Hai is predicted to follow in the footsteps of his senior, Thanh Luong. The young midfielder from Hanoi T&T has won most youth tournaments in the country, and his performance in V.League 2016 is fully deserving. Despite not participating in the U19 Southeast Asia Championship, Quang Hai has consistently been in the starting lineup in this AFC U19 Championship. This demonstrates Coach Hoang Anh Tuan's trust in the former U19 player. 'Hai con' was part of the U19 squad two years ago with the likes of Cong Phuong, Xuan Truong, Tuan Anh, and was chosen to play on the left wing, displacing Hong Duy to left-back. This time, Quang Hai has been even more outstanding, showcasing precise ball control, quick and agile footwork, breakthroughs, intelligent passing, and creating opportunities for Minh Di to score the opening goal in the recent match.

Once listed among the Top 40 young football talents in the world by The Guardian, Phan Thanh Hau hasn't had many opportunities under Coach Hoang Anh Tuan. Playing in the central midfield position, this Quang Ngai native may have a slim physique, but Thanh Hau compensates with incredible endurance, making other players bow to him. His strength lies in diverse and precise passes, creating space by cleverly flicking the ball to open up the opponent's defense. To better suit the current playing style of U19 Vietnam, this player developed at the Hoang Anh Gia Lai Arsenal JMG training center has actively engaged in ball recovery and played a more dynamic role. Coach Hoang Anh Tuan always pays attention to him when seeking to establish midfield balance.

Huynh Tan Sinh is the kind of center-back who knows how to play as a forward with a highly effective contribution to the attack. Not only scoring goals in aerial duels but also showcasing beautiful free-kick goals, this 6 feet tall defender born in 1998, hailing from Quang Nam, once won the Best Young Player award. While not perfect in tackling skills, his abilities in positioning, situational judgment, and heading are the strengths that Coach Hoang Anh Tuan appreciates. He has been a starter in the last two matches.

Tran Thanh is the player who accurately delivered the ball for Duc Chinh's goal on the opening day. Standing at 1m77, weighing 69 kg, right-footed, and excelling in high-speed runs straight into the penalty area, Tran Thanh is a key player in the attack of the Hue Club, despite being only 19 years old. With abundant physical fitness and a modern playing style, Coach Hoang Anh Tuan always sees Tran Thanh as an important strategic asset for U19 Vietnam whenever goals are needed.