Vietnam’s national team is preparing for crucial friendlies, but the real story lies in the depth of its squad. Understanding why quality substitutes matter helps explain how a team’s long‑term success depends on more than just its star players.

Coach Kim Sang Sik said his biggest worry is not the number of players called up but the lack of reliable alternatives. He highlighted a clear gap between the starters and the bench, especially in midfield.

The midfield gap is especially problematic because it limits the coach’s tactical flexibility. When a starter is unavailable or under‑performs, a weaker replacement can disrupt the whole playing style, reducing the team’s competitiveness.

Vietnam will face Chinese Taipei and Kyrgyzstan in November, using those matches to evaluate players outside the regular starting eleven. If the depth issue is not solved, it could jeopardise the country’s goals for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, since a large squad alone does not guarantee confidence in the bench.

The key lesson is that Vietnam must turn a large roster into genuine depth by finding substitutes who possess the quality to earn the coach’s trust. Only then can the team realistically pursue its longer‑term ambitions.