Vietnam's national team possesses the 'secret weapon' Truong Tien Anh.

Three assists in just the last two matches have made Truong Tien Anh a standout for the Vietnam national team, simultaneously affirming his irreplaceable role on the right flank under coach Kim Sang Sik.

If one needs to find a name that left the strongest impression during the FIFA Days series in March 2026, Truong Tien Anh certainly ranks among the top. Unlike the more conspicuous goal-scoring forwards, the 1999-born defender quietly made his mark with highly accurate crossing passes.

In the two matches against Bangladesh and Malaysia, Tien Anh left his "footprint" with assists from corner situations. Notably, in the 3-1 victory over Malaysia, he completed an assist hat-trick across just two matches with a precise cross for Xuan Son to score with a header. Three assists, three clear impacts—this is no longer temporary form, but a confirmation of his caliber.

The nickname "crossing machine" given to Tien Anh by fans is not accidental. At present, he can be considered the defender possessing arguably the best crossing ability in the national team. Over the past exact year, Tien Anh has provided 7 assists out of the team's total 19 goals, a statistic reflecting incredible efficiency for a wing-running defender.

Tien Anh's lofted passes not only have precise spin and landing points, but also show clear improvement in his observational thinking and timing choices. Notably, Tien Anh excels not only in set situations.

In live play, he is also an extremely effective drill on the right flank. Speed, stamina, and wing-running ability allow this player to continuously create pressure. Quick bursts followed by crosses from near the touchline are becoming a familiar sight.

Statistics in this season's V-League further solidify Tien Anh's value. From The Cong Viettel to Ninh Binh, the 1999-born player has secured starting positions.

Tien Anh's fortunes changed thanks to a new contract with Ninh Binh. That is deserved for the efforts of the 27-year-old. Tien Anh demonstrates consistent stability from club level to the national team. No longer a player relying solely on strength, Tien Anh now plays more sophisticatedly and effectively.

Another important factor helping Tien Anh "score points" is his versatility and endurance. Coming from the Viettel academy, he has accumulated over 100 professional matches, a number sufficient to prove his experience. From the early days of skepticism when first joining the national team under coach Philippe Troussier three years ago, Tien Anh has now "transformed" into a reliable choice. The Ninh Binh club player is not easily selected as a set-piece shooter for the national team, not to mention securing a starting spot from Xuan Manh, who possesses comparable physical strength.

Thus, Xuan Manh is frequently pulled in to play as a right-sided center-back, while the right flank is almost "fully entrusted" to Tien Anh. And the 1999-born player did not miss the opportunity. He not only fulfilled his duties but also elevated this position with direct contributions to goals. At this point, stars like Ho Tan Tai, just returning from injury, also find it difficult to be called up by coach Kim Sang Sik as Tien Anh maintains high form.

Of course, Tien Anh still has areas to improve, particularly his defensive support ability. But overall, the Ninh Binh player is progressing daily and increasingly perfecting the skill set of a modern wing defender.

From a diligent "worker bee," Truong Tien Anh has now become a genuine "assist machine." In the journey of building coach Kim Sang Sik's new playing style, players like Tien Anh are crucial pieces. The 1999-born player not only provides foundation but also directly creates difference.

If he continues to maintain this form, Tien Anh deserves to be the master of the Vietnam national team's right flank for many more matches under coach Kim Sang Sik.

And with increasingly sharp crossing passes, Truong Tien Anh is helping the national team play simply yet extremely effectively, contributing to the journey of conquering peaks in football.