Admitting that the midfield pairing of Hoàng Đức and Quang Hải is a problem, how will coach Kim Sang Sik correct it?

Coach Kim Sang-sik admitted that the central midfield duo of Hoàng Đức and Quang Hải is an issue for the Vietnam national team. How will he address this problem in the match against Indonesia at the ASEAN Cup 2026?

By frankly admitting that the combination of Quang Hải and Hoàng Đức in central midfield is a "weakness," the South Korean strategist has essentially signaled that the team's midfield will see a significant change in the match considered a pivotal one in the group stage.

Theoretically, both Hoàng Đức and Quang Hải are top midfielders in Vietnamese football. Hoàng Đức possesses excellent ability to control the tempo, hold the ball, and escape pressing, while Quang Hải stands out with creative passes, unpredictable handling, and chance creation in tight spaces. However, problems arise when both are deployed in the central area.

Both Hoàng Đức and Quang Hải tend to play the ball, organize, and participate in building the game. This leaves Vietnam's midfield lacking a true "sweeper" capable of contesting, covering, and breaking up the opponent's transitions. When facing teams with high pressing intensity and strong physicality like Indonesia, this weakness becomes even more apparent.

Under the generation of naturalized players, Indonesia is building a playing style rich in strength, speed, and very fast transition. They often apply pressure from the front line, forcing opponents to make mistakes in the midfield area. If Vietnam continues to use the Hoàng Đức - Quang Hải duo as central midfielders, the risk of losing control of this key area is very high.

Therefore, a more reasonable solution at this point could be to bring in Lê Phạm Thành Long to replace Quang Hải, while pulling Tài Lộc back to play as a central midfielder and pushing Hoàng Đức higher up to serve as a link between midfield and attack, with Xuân Son and Hoàng Hên up front.

Among the three central midfielders Vietnam has in the tournament, Thành Long is the one with the clearest defensive tendency. This player is not outstanding in technique or creativity like Quang Hải and Hoàng Đức, but he brings the balance that the midfield is lacking.

The presence of Thành Long and Tài Lộc in midfield will help Hoàng Đức be freed from excessive defensive duties to focus on his organizational role.

With such personnel arrangement, we will better strengthen the ability to contest in the midfield line and intercept from distance, while still having enough attacking personnel with Văn Vĩ and Trương Tiến Anh on the flanks, along with Hoàng Đức, Xuân Son, and Hoàng Hên inside.

Remember, in this match, Vietnam must keep a clean sheet before thinking about scoring to win. Therefore, first and foremost, we need solid defense.

Given that Indonesia frequently organizes fast counterattacks, maintaining a solid defensive structure in the midfield line is a vital factor.

The match against Indonesia will be a real test for Vietnam's tactical adjustments. If Thành Long is given a chance and the midfield is reorganized more reasonably, Vietnam can completely control the central area, or at least not allow the opponent to dominate there. This is a factor that often determines success or failure in top-level encounters.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has frankly admitted the problem in Vietnam's midfield. Let's wait and see how the South Korean manager will overcome this weakness in the match against Indonesia, the decisive battle for the "Golden Star Warriors" chance to reach the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-finals.