Hanoi, 3 October 2025 – The Cong Viettel head coach Velizar Popov has delivered a bold statement regarding the current goalkeeping hierarchy in Vietnamese football, insisting that Van Viet deserves recognition as the nation’s top shot-stopper.
The Bulgarian strategist openly praised the 27-year-old goalkeeper following his standout performance in The Cong Viettel’s recent clash with Ninh Binh. According to Popov, Van Viet is not only in the best form of his career but also ready to take over as Vietnam’s new number one.
“For me, Van Viet is the best goalkeeper in Vietnam at the moment, and that is why coach Kim Sang Sik has called him up to the national team in the coming days. I believe he has a very strong chance to become the number one goalkeeper for Vietnam,” Popov declared.
While much of the spotlight in Vietnamese football has long been focused on the established names such as Dang Van Lam and Nguyen Filip, Van Viet’s rise has been quietly impressive. He has consistently delivered commanding performances between the posts for The Cong Viettel, showing sharp reflexes, composure under pressure, and excellent leadership in organizing his backline.
In the match against Ninh Binh, Van Viet was tested on multiple occasions and produced a string of vital saves to keep his side in contention. His confident handling and timely interventions highlighted not only his individual talent but also the growing trust his teammates have placed in him. Popov’s praise further underlines the belief that the goalkeeper is ready to step up on the international stage.
Van Viet’s progress has not gone unnoticed by national team selectors. Head coach Kim Sang Sik is expected to include the The Cong Viettel goalkeeper in his squad for the upcoming FIFA Days fixtures in October, where Vietnam will face Nepal in a crucial double-header in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. The call-up offers Van Viet a golden opportunity to compete directly for the starting spot against established rivals.
If given the chance, Van Viet’s emergence could signal a generational shift for Vietnam’s goalkeeping department. With Van Lam nearing the latter stages of his career and Filip struggling with recent errors at both club and international level, the door is wide open for a new leader to stake his claim.
Popov remains convinced that his player is ready for the challenge. “Van Viet has everything a top goalkeeper needs – talent, discipline, and the right mentality. I am sure that if he continues working hard, he will be Vietnam’s first choice in the near future,” he added.
With his club coach backing him strongly and a potential debut for the national team on the horizon, Van Viet could soon find himself at the center of Vietnam’s ambitions on the road to the Asian Cup 2027 and beyond.
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