'Number 10' special between Xuân Son and Hoàng Hên promises to ignite the Vietnamese national team.

The proven connection at the club level is bringing high expectations, as Hoàng Hên and Xuân Son have the opportunity to recreate their synergy in the Vietnamese national team jersey during crucial matches.

The FIFA Days training camp in March 2026 for the Vietnamese national team saw a notable highlight when naturalized midfielder Đỗ Hoàng Hên was called up for the first time. According to an announcement from the Vietnam Football Federation on March 17 afternoon, the player born in 1994 will participate in preparations for matches against Bangladesh and Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Hoàng Hên, originally named Hendrio Araujo, completed his naturalization in October 2025 after more than five years playing in Vietnam. Possessing technique, creative thinking, and ability to handle tight spaces, he quickly made an impact at Hanoi FC. But what particularly caught the attention of experts was the effective link between him and striker Xuân Son - a factor that could become the "key" for the national team's attack.

Statistics show that Hoàng Hên has assisted Xuân Son up to 10 times when the two players played together, including 2 times at Bình Định and 8 times at Nam Định. This number makes him the top assist provider for this striker in the domestic league system, demonstrating the notable synergy between the two attacking players.

It is no coincidence that Hoàng Hên quickly integrated and became a "distribution hub" in the playing style of the clubs he played for. After 10 matches in V.League 2025/26, he scored 6 goals and made 2 assists, but his greater value lies in his ability to orchestrate and deliver breakthrough passes. Previously, this style of play helped Xuân Son repeatedly be placed in advantageous positions to score when they played together.

One of Hoàng Hên's standout performances came in the capital derby, where he scored a double to help Hanoi FC defeat Công An Hanoi FC. In that match, he not only scored but also acted as the "conductor," directing the play and controlling the tempo, showing his comprehensive influence on the attacking front.

Under coach Kim Sang Sik, the Vietnamese national team is seeking ways to refresh its attack, especially in the context of needing to improve scoring efficiency.The combination between Hoàng Hên and Xuân Son, which has already been proven at the club level, is expected to bring new vitality to the "Golden Star Warriors".

The friendly match against Bangladesh on March 26 will be an opportunity for the coaching staff to test this duo before the rematch with Malaysia on March 31. If they can recreate their past synergy, Hoàng Hên and Xuân Son could fully become a new "dynamic duo," offering a solution for the Vietnamese national team's attacking puzzle on their journey towards the 2027 Asian Cup.