Who will Coach Kim Sang Sik assign to mark Mitchell Baker?

Before the crucial match against Indonesia in Group A of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, the spotlight is on Mitchell Baker. For coach Kim Sang Sik, the important question is not how dangerous Baker is, but how to neutralize this attacking threat.

Mitchell Baker is fast, strong, skillful, and very difficult to mark one-on-one.

Looking at Baker's three goals against Cambodia, it's clear he is not just a striker who relies on height. The opening goal came from a leaping header after a free kick by Thom Haye, the second was a close-range finish after a cross from Eliano Reijnders, and the hat-trick goal came from another accurate cross by Haye. The three goals were scored in different ways, but they all share a common trait: Baker has excellent positioning and knows how to appear at the right time in the penalty area.

Therefore, if Vietnam's defense only sees Baker as a 'target man' specialized in aerial play, they could easily fall into the trap Indonesia has set. In fact, the supply of balls is what makes this 19-year-old striker effective. Thom Haye provided three assists in the match against Cambodia, while Indonesia's full-backs constantly pushed forward to create accurate crosses.

That is also why Coach Kim Sang Sik is likely to avoid a 'one-on-one' approach. Against a striker nearly 2 meters tall, leaving a single center-back to duel him is nothing short of a gamble. Even top Asian defenders rarely win aerial battles outright against a striker like Baker.

Instead, Vietnam is likely to use a zonal defense system with cover. One center-back will press immediately when Baker receives the ball, another will stay behind to handle the second ball, while the defensive midfielder will close down space in front of the box. Most importantly, the wingers must minimize Indonesia's crosses. When Baker is not 'supplied with ammunition', his influence will drop significantly.

In terms of personnel, Thanh Chung remains the strongest candidate for the task of marking Baker. The Hanoi FC center-back does not have the height advantage over his opponent, but he compensates with excellent reading of the game, positional awareness, and defensive organization. Thanh Chung's international experience is also a factor that Kim Sang Sik cannot overlook in such a decisive match.

Meanwhile, Dinh Quang Kiet could be a surprise card. Possessing a height similar to Baker, along with long legs and impressive physical attributes, this young center-back is a rare Vietnamese player capable of competing directly in aerial duels. Despite lacking experience, Quang Kiet could be positioned as the right-sided center-back in a three-man defense to directly face the Indonesian striker.

Another option is Bui Hoang Viet Anh. This center-back is known for his strong, aggressive tackling and willingness to engage in physical battles. If Kim Sang Sik wants to add steel to the defense, Viet Anh could easily be chosen to start.

However, the deciding factor may not be the center-backs. If Thom Haye still has time to launch long passes or Indonesia's full-backs can freely deliver crosses, any center-back will face immense pressure against Baker. To stop the 'Indonesian Erling Haaland', Vietnam must first choke the supply from the backline, forcing Indonesia to build up play in less dangerous areas.

In other words, this is a problem for the whole system, not just one individual. Thanh Chung, Quang Kiet, or Viet Anh could all be tasked with marking Baker, but what Coach Kim Sang Sik is aiming for is a cohesive defensive unit where every link knows how to support each other.

Baker is the new sensation of Indonesian football with three goals in his national team debut, but the 2026 ASEAN Cup will also be the first time he faces a well-organized defense like Vietnam's. If they cut off Thom Haye's passes, neutralize the wings, and minimize aerial balls, Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad can completely turn the 'Indonesian Haaland' into a non-factor on the pitch. And that is the key for Vietnam to gain an advantage in what is considered the 'early final' of Group A.