Lê Phạm Thành Long: The True "Anchor" of Coach Kim Sang Sik

After a frustrating 0-0 draw against Singapore, Coach Kim Sang Sik solved the midfield puzzle by assigning the defensive midfielder role to Lê Phạm Thành Long. His performance against Indonesia proved that decision was correct.

Lê Phạm Thành Long Helps Vietnam Become Much More Balanced

The match against Singapore exposed Vietnam's weakness in the midfield. Coach Kim Sang Sik's team controlled possession but lacked balance. The midfielders often had to drop deep to receive the ball, widening the gap between defense and attack. More importantly, Vietnam lacked a player capable of winning back possession, regulating the tempo, and initiating attacks from the back. That lesson made Coach Kim realize the team needed a true "anchor" before thinking about strengthening the firepower up front.

Lê Phạm Thành Long repaid that trust with a nearly perfect performance. Notably, the impact of this 1m65 midfielder was not just in the assist for Hai Long to make it 2-0, but also throughout the 90 minutes in his role of maintaining balance for the entire system.

The numbers speak for themselves. Thành Long won 6 out of 9 duels (67%), the highest in the match. He completed 43/48 passes (90%), trailing only Hoàng Đức (92%) and Thành Chung (94%). Notably, all 7 of his long passes found their target, a perfect 100% accuracy. In the opponent's final third, Thành Long also had a passing accuracy of 92% with 11/12 successful passes. He had one assist, created one dangerous chance, and made two key passes - the most in the match.

These statistics fully reflect the role of a modern defensive midfielder. Thành Long is not only good at intercepting, but also a starting point for attacks. Every time he receives the ball from defense, he handles it neatly, calmly, and directs the ball forward instead of choosing safe passes.

The through-ball for Hai Long to score is the clearest evidence. Amid Indonesia's intense pressing, Thành Long still had the composure to evade pressure, spot the gap, and deliver a pass that bypassed almost the entire opponent's defense. That was not just an assist, but a moment that showcased the tactical thinking, game-reading ability, and quality of a true "number 6".

More importantly, Thành Long's presence allowed the surrounding players to maximize their abilities. Hoàng Đức had more space to push forward and orchestrate play, Quang Hải was freed from excessive defensive duties, and the three center-backs could confidently push up because they always had a player ready to cover in front of them.

In the past, the most successful periods of Vietnamese football have been associated with an outstanding defensive midfielder. That was Minh Châu at the 2008 AFF Cup, Huy Hùng and Đức Huy at the 2018 AFF Cup, and most recently Doãn Ngọc Tân at the 2024 ASEAN Cup. They were not frequent goal scorers, but they were the link that kept the entire machine running smoothly.

Lê Phạm Thành Long is bringing a similar feeling. He doesn't play flashy or show off skills, but every touch of the ball serves the team. After the draw with Singapore, Coach Kim Sang Sik realized that a team that wants to attack effectively must first have a solid foundation in midfield.

With his performance against Indonesia, Thành Long not only impressed the coaching staff but also showed he is fully capable of becoming an indispensable "anchor" in Coach Kim Sang Sik's tactical system on the journey to conquer big goals with the Vietnam national team.