Hanoi, 5 January 2026 – Not Dinh Bac or Trung Kien, Hieu Minh—according to the official website of the Asian Football Confederation, Khuat Van Khang is tipped to be U23 Vietnam’s most influential player at the upcoming continental tournament.
“Khuat Van Khang is an energetic and intelligent midfielder—the heartbeat of U23 Vietnam. A regular member of the senior national team, the 21-year-old brings composure and leadership that U23 Vietnam need as they look to improve on their runners-up finish at the 2018 Asian tournament,” AFC wrote.
Khuat Van Khang is among the most internationally experienced players in the current U23 Vietnam squad. Head coach Kim Sang-sik selected him as captain ahead of other seasoned options such as Thai Son, Dinh Bac, Thanh Nhan, and Ly Duc, underlining his importance within the team.
Operating at the heart of midfield, Khang’s influence is evident in Kim Sang-sik’s system. He dictates tempo, launches attacks—particularly down the flanks—and adds a potent threat from set pieces, which have become a key weapon in U23 Vietnam’s play.
U23 Vietnam will open their campaign against U23 Jordan on January 6, before facing U23 Kyrgyzstan on January 9 and hosts U23 Saudi Arabia on January 12.
Hong Phuc – Dinh Hoang
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