Replacing Tiến Linh, Vietnamese national team striker admits significant pressure

Forward Nguyễn Trần Việt Cường acknowledges the pressure of wearing Nguyễn Tiến Linh's jersey number, but is determined to turn that pressure into motivation as he aims for his debut with the Vietnamese national team.

Forward Nguyễn Trần Việt Cường is facing a major opportunity as he continues to be called up to the Vietnamese national team for the March 2026 FIFA Days. However, this also brings considerable pressure, especially since he is expected to make an impact in his potential first appearance for the national team.

Previously, in November 2025, the striker born in 2000 was included in Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad for the match against Laos in the Asian Cup qualifiers. However, he did not get a chance to play. This current call-up is seen as a crucial step in the journey of this forward, who plays for Becamex TP HCM Club, to prove himself.

One notable detail is that Việt Cường was assigned jersey number 22 – the number previously associated with Nguyễn Tiến Linh, who is absent from this training session. Speaking about this, he candidly stated: “The coaching staff gave me number 22. This was Tiến Linh's jersey number before, so I feel a bit of pressure.”

Nevertheless, instead of being hesitant, Việt Cường shows a positive spirit by viewing this as motivation to strive. He aims to perform his best whenever he gets the chance to play, thereby earning recognition from the coaching staff and fans.

Speaking about the competition among forwards, the 25-year-old striker expresses great respect for his teammate Xuân Son: “Each person has their own strengths. Xuân Son has a truly distinct level of class compared to the other three, but everyone will compete fairly with each other, no problem.” At the same time, he also has confidence in his own strengths, which are agile movement and speed.

During the initial phase of the training camp, the entire team mainly focuses on familiarizing themselves with tactics, improving fitness, and regaining match rhythm. Việt Cường further shared his personal goal: “I just try to get onto the field. Adaptation is the hardest part. I need more time to communicate and sync up with the senior players. Wearing the national team jersey is an honor, I will try my utmost to contribute.”