Van Hau and the Position Battle in the Vietnam National Team

Doan Van Hau's inclusion in the Vietnam national team roster for the 2026 ASEAN Cup brings a range of joy and anticipation to fans. Yet, unlike past seasons where Van Hau was nearly the automatic starter, this camp forces the CAHN full-back into a intense battle for a spot.

This reflects a positive reality: the Vietnam national team now boasts many quality options on the left flank.

In the call-up list byCoach Kim Sang Sik, names like Van Vi, Tuan Tai, Ngoc Bao, and Nhat Minh are competing for a starting position with Van Hau. Each player brings a different style, tactical diversity for the team.

Van Vi is perhaps the most prominent among themost prominent among these candidates. The Nam Dinh defender is going through a quiet period with his club. However, Van Vi has had chemistry when joining the national team under Coach Kim Sang Sik, thanks to his effective attacking support and surprising runs into the box.

At the club level, Van Vi has shown he is not just a simple full-back but can also make a difference in attack. Meanwhile, Tuoc Cong Viettel's Tuan Tai is a player with strong crossing ability from the wing.

Le Ngoc Bao of Ninh Binh is also attracting attention. This player possesses relatively reliable defensive support. Nhat Minh of Hai Phong is a typical representative of the young generation maturing quickly in the V-League, capable of competing with his seniors.

With so many quality options available, Coach Kim Sang Sik's decision not to call up Cao Pendant Quang Vinh for this training camp is not surprising. The defender ofHanoi Policehas been allowed to stay with his club to prepare for the AFC Champions League Elite play-off, while the team still ensures squad depth on the left flank.

Despite having to compete with many formidable opponents, Van Hau still has unique advantages that few Vietnamese players currently possess.

Aside from his preferred left-back position,Van Haucan also perform very well as a left-sided center-back in a three-man defense. This is a position that Coach Kim Sang Sik particularly favors in his tactical setup. Strong tackling ability, ideal physique, combined with international experience, makes Van Hau a very valuable tactical option.

While Van Vi orTuan Taimainly compete for the full-back position, Van Hau can fulfill multiple roles depending on the match's demands. This is a major advantage that helps him persuade the coaching staff.

Van Hau has competed in many major tournaments, and that experience is a valuable asset in the context of the Vietnam team's trend of squad rejuvenation.

The past season also showed positive signals from the 1999-born defender. Although hasn't fully regained his peak form, Van Hau still left his mark with quality moments.

The clearest evidence is the "Best Goal of the 2025/26 Season" award, thanks to his stunning long-range strike from midfield into the Thanh Hoa net while playing for Hanoi Police. This was not just a beautiful goal but also showed returning confidence and ball control from the player once considered the best left-back in Vietnamese football.

However, a starting position will not be handed out to anyone based on reputation or past achievements. Coach Kim Sang Sik repeatedly stated that every player must compete fairly.