Vietnam's team reveals an 'old but new' tactical card ahead of the ASEAN Cup

Phan Tuan Tai is back with Vietnam's squad in the left wingback role, opening up an important tactical option for coach Kim Sang Sik before the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

The second training camp of 2026 for the Vietnam national team is notable not only for the naturalized players, overseas Vietnamese, or the goal of defending the ASEAN Cup title. From a professional perspective, the inclusion of Phan Tuan Tai in the 28-player list is a detail worth exploring, because the defender from The Cong - Viettel could become a crucial link on the left flank.

Tuan Tai was called up alongside defenders such as Doan Van Hau, Nguyen Van Vi, Le Ngoc Bao, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Do Duy Manh, and Nguyen Thanh Chung. This shows that coach Kim Sang Sik has many options to switch between a 3-center-back formation, a 4-defender setup, or an attacking stance with an advanced left flank. As Vietnam aims for a faster playing style, the wingback is not merely a full-back but a position that determines the team's width, the ability to stretch opponents, and the quality of the final pass.

Phan Tuan Tai's biggest strength lies in his ability to run the flank, time his crosses, and use his left foot. This is also why experts have previously rated him as more suitable when deployed on his natural left wing rather than being pushed into a left-sided center-back role. Former VFF professional vice president Duong Vu Lam once commented that Tuan Tai “understands what a left full-back needs to do both when the team is attacking and defending.” That assessment is very important in the context of Vietnam needing a left flank player who can both push forward and drop back to maintain balance.

Tuan Tai himself has acknowledged having to adapt to various tactical demands. In an interview with Nhan Dan newspaper at the end of 2025, the 2001-born player said that to become a good footballer, one “must adapt to every tactical system.” This detail shows that Tuan Tai competes not only with his crossing skills but also with his ability to understand his role in a new system.

For coach Kim Sang Sik, the challenge lies in optimizing Tuan Tai alongside other options. Doan Van Hau provides physicality, dueling ability, and aerial strength. Nguyen Van Vi brings experience on the left flank. Meanwhile, Tuan Tai offers smoothness, early crosses, and the ability to create surprises from the half-space. If Vietnam plays with a three-man defense, Tuan Tai can be the left wingback to push the formation higher. If switching to a four-defender system, he remains a left-back option focused on offensive support.

The training camp in South Korea from July 2 to July 14, along with three practice matches and a friendly against Myanmar on July 18, will be the time for the coaching staff to test this role. Vietnam kicks off the 2026 ASEAN Cup with an away match against Timor-Leste on July 24, before facing Singapore, Indonesia, and Cambodia in succession. A dense schedule with extensive travel makes depth on both flanks extremely important.

For Phan Tuan Tai, this is not just a return to the national team. It could be an opportunity for him to turn the left wingback position into a tactical spark for Vietnam in their journey to defend the Southeast Asian crown.