Thomas Mai Veeren, the promising Vietnamese-Dutch player, has officially joined the U17 Vietnam national football team as they gear up for the AFC U17 Championship 2025. On March 3, 2025, the team held its first full training session at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center in Hanoi, marking the beginning of preparations for the upcoming tournament.
Coach Cristiano Roland expressed high hopes for the newest addition, stating, "When I received the video from YouTube, the coaching staff analyzed it together. We will continue to observe and support him to integrate with the team. Whether this player can help the national team needs more time." Durante the session, it was clear Thomas was eager to prove himself, displaying determination and focus as he attempted to adapt to the team dynamics.
Although he may not physically stand out compared to his teammates, Thomas brings significant skills to the table. Born in 2008, and commonly known by his Vietnamese name Mai Công Thành, he is the son of a Dutch father and Vietnamese mother. With experience playing for HV Quick, where he scored nine goals and delivered four assists across eight matches this season, he possesses the versatility to fit multiple positions, from attacking midfielder to central midfielder.
Roland, who has only evaluated Thomas based on video submissions prior to the training, emphasized the need for practical assessments to accurately determine the player's strengths and weaknesses. He stated, "I can only update my information about him through videos, and we invited Thomas to train with the team to realistically evaluate skills, strengths, and weaknesses." This thoughtful approach to player evaluation reflects the careful strategy behind the team’s preparation for their challenging competitors.
The coaching staff has plans to streamline the current squad of 34 players as they progress through training. Roland noted, "The team is focused and determined to achieve the highest goal for Vietnamese football. But we also need to keep some information confidential before the tournament." The competition will be tough; the U17 Vietnam team is drawn with Japan, Australia, and the UAE, all formidable opponents.
After their training camp, the U17 Vietnam team will travel to Oman for additional training between March 23 and 29, where they will engage in two friendly matches against the host nation's U17 team. This opportunity will serve as another assessment for Thomas and the rest of the squad as they work to solidify starting positions before heading to the Championship, which is slated to run from April 3 to 20, 2025.
Thomas has also trained with notable clubs like ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord Rotterdam, showcasing his talents within competitive environments. His ability to communicate fluently in both Vietnamese and English has greatly facilitated his integration with the team, allowing him to bond quickly with his new teammates.
Roland's confidence is palpable; he hopes Thomas Mai Veeren can make significant contributions to the team’s success. "We need more time to understand what Mai Veeren can bring to the team," he remarked after the initial training session.
Beyond just Thomas, the roster comprises players primarily from leading football academies, with 12 players from Hà Nội FC, eight from PVF, and others representing various clubs. The squad aims for optimal performance and readiness as they step onto the international stage.
Looking forward, the team's objective is clear: progress to the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Championship and secure one of the eight spots available for Asia at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025 set to be held in Qatar. The stakes are high, and the emphasis on teamwork, skill integration, and thorough preparation will be key components of Vietnam's campaign.
With the presence of such talent like Thomas Mai Veeren, the U17 Vietnam team holds great promise as they strive to write their legacy on the continental football stage.