Is CLB Ninh Bình building the foundation for Vietnam’s national team future?

Boasting a high-quality lineup spanning from the senior national team to the U23 Vietnam squad, CLB Ninh Bình is likened to a scaled-down Vietnam national team.

The strong progress of CLB Ninh Bình this season is no mere stroke of luck. Under the guidance of Gerard Albadalejo, the historic club has been built on a solid and talented foundation, gathering numerous national team players alongside outstanding young talents from Vietnam’s youth teams.

Looking at the squad list, fans can easily spot many familiar names. In goal is Đặng Văn Lâm, supported by influential midfielders like Nguyễn Hoàng Đức and Đức Chiến. Up front, strikers such as Đinh Thanh Bình and Nguyễn Quốc Việt are always ready to make an impact.

Beyond that, Ninh Bình also has a core group of young players forming the backbone of various youth teams. Nguyễn Thái Sơn is regarded as the midfield brain of the U23 team, while Văn Thuận and Nguyễn Lê Phát consistently leave their mark whenever given a chance. They bring fresh energy, speed, and fierce competitive spirit.

With such a dense concentration of national team players, it’s no exaggeration to call Ninh Bình a miniature Vietnam national team. At many moments, their starting lineup can include most of the players who have either represented or are currently representing the Vietnam senior or U23 national teams, resulting in a level of quality far above the average.

This strategy becomes even clearer as the club continuously recruits young talents. Signing the trio Thái Sơn, Văn Thuận, and Ngọc Mỹ is a long-term plan prioritizing the future while still ensuring immediate competitiveness. They have all been tested in high-pressure competitions and understand the demands of achieving results.

When the experience of national team veterans blends with the youth from the U22 and U23 groups, Ninh Bình forms a formidable core. If they maintain stability, the historic club has every reason to dream of major milestones, as they truly operate like a scaled-down version of the Vietnam national team.

Ninh Bình signs a former Vietnam national team player after two consecutive losses.

A wake-up call for Hoàng Đức and Ninh Bình’s “galaxy” of stars.