Vietnamese striker Tiến Linh, fresh off winning the prestigious Quả bóng Vàng Việt Nam 2024, is gearing up for a crucial match against Laos in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. Despite his impressive statistics, including 23 goals and 3 assists across 2024 and two appearances in the ASEAN Cup finals, doubts linger about his abilities among some fans who see him as merely a player lacking finesse.
Having earned the nickname "chân gỗ" or "wooden legs" due to perceived limitations in his ball handling, Tiến Linh faces continuous scrutiny. However, as any avid footballer knows, the game is not merely defined by individual moments but rather by a prolonged commitment to improvement. Tiến Linh has worked persistently to refine his skills, solidifying his reputation as one of Vietnam’s premier strikers.
Acknowledging the evolution of his game, experienced coach Phan Thanh Hùng has praised the 1997-born player as the top striker for the national team and Vietnamese football overall. “In recent years, there have been young talents expected to follow Tiến Linh's footsteps. However, over time, no one has truly surpassed him. In terms of the center-forward position, Tiến Linh remains the primary choice for the national team, especially now that Xuân Son is injured,” said Hùng.
Your statistics don’t lie. With 67 goals in the V.League, Tiến Linh holds a spot among the league’s top 10 all-time goalscorers. Currently, he has netted 25 goals for the national team, ranking third among the greats in Vietnam's history. These figures vividly illustrate his real capabilities. No player from his cohort, particularly the class of 1995-1997, has achieved such striking success.
Tonight's match against Laos is not just another game; it's an essential opportunity for Tiến Linh to prove himself further. Coach Kim Sang-sik, in a press conference on March 24, set a target for the team to secure all three points, emphasizing the need for an attacking approach with plenty of goals. He specified that Tiến Linh holds a critical role in accomplishing this objective.
Playing in his home stadium, Bình Dương, where he is familiar with the pitch conditions, Tiến Linh is expected to shine against a lower-ranked opponent. If he capitalizes on his chances, a stellar performance could silence the naysayers and confirm his place in the national squad.
Each match presents a unique chance to shift perceptions and craft new narratives in football. This evening's clash is pivotal not only for the Vietnamese team as they strive for qualification for the Asian Cup 2027 but also as a defining moment for Tiến Linh, who aims to justify his title as the 2024 Golden Ball winner.
