Vietnam’s recent reliance on naturalised players has sparked debate about the future of its football programme. Understanding this issue helps fans see the trade‑offs between quick results and sustainable growth.

The article notes that Vietnam finished fourth at the 2026 ASEAN Cup, a result that highlighted weaknesses in both attack and overall squad depth. This placement underscored the team’s vulnerability when key players are unavailable.

Naturalised striker Nguyen Xuan Son boosted Vietnam’s attack, but his thigh injury caused a performance drop at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, according to the article. Without him, the team struggled to create chances and score goals.

The other two naturalised forwards, Do Hoang Hen and Nguyen Tai Loc, made limited contributions and disappointed fans, the article reports. Their lack of impact added to the criticism of relying heavily on naturalised talent.

The article says naturalised players can bring quick results, but they cannot replace a strong youth system. It advises picking naturalised players only if they are clearly better than home‑grown options and prioritising younger Vietnamese talent.

In short, Vietnam should use naturalised players only when they are clearly superior to domestic options, while investing in youth development for lasting success. Balancing short‑term ambition with long‑term planning will be key for the national team’s future.