Brian Jeffrey
Despite a rise in the number of overseas Vietnamese players, only 10 players (including those who are naturalized) signed up for 14 teams, which is a decrease from 12 in the previous season. Furthermore, not all of these players took part in the league’s opening match.
Some clubs, like The Cong Viettel, have opted against hiring overseas Vietnamese players, instead concentrating on cultivating local talent. Coach Nguyen Duc Thang highlighted the club’s commitment to developing young players for the national team, though he noted that skilled overseas players could enhance the league’s competitiveness.
On the other hand, teams such as Binh Dinh have found it challenging to integrate overseas Vietnamese players. Coach Bui Doan Quang Huy mentioned that although players like Tomas Duong Thanh Tung were signed, they require time to adjust to the league’s demands. He also pointed out the difficulty in locating overseas players who fit the V-League’s criteria.
Hanoi FC, for example, received numerous applications from overseas Vietnamese players but ultimately chose to go with only Kyle Colonna from the USA, stating contentment with their existing lineup.
Several overseas Vietnamese players, like Kyle Colonna, Adou Leygley Minh, and Jason Pendant Quang Vinh, made notable impacts in the season opener.
Adou Leygley Minh, in particular, scored the decisive goal for Ha Tinh against the defending champions Nam Dinh; however, Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong cautioned that it’s premature to evaluate the player’s overall potential.
Traditionally, many overseas Vietnamese players have returned to pursue opportunities in the V-League, but success has been elusive for some due to cultural differences and high expectations.
Nevertheless, experts view the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and VPF’s decision to raise the quota for overseas players as a beneficial step that could enhance the league’s overall quality and provide advantages to the national team.
