The midfielder looks destined for a successful future career in the game after guiding Vietnam into the finals in a stellar manner, the AFC wrote on its website.

His leadership qualities aside, the midfielder is also able to contribute goals, with Vietnam set to look toward their skipper for an inspired run in the tournament, it noted. 

“Can he inspire new Vietnamese generation to glory?” is what AFC asked of Cong Phuong, who scored two goals for the Vietnamese squad during the qualification phase to help the national youth team to book a ticket to the finals.

The team are currently participating in a training course ahead of the regional tournament. Head coach Hoang Anh Tuan yet to finalise the final list of 23 players for the tournament.

Most recently, Vietnam’s U17s lost to Yemen 2-0 in a friendly match ahead of the tournament.

The 2023 U17 Asian Cup finals are scheduled to take place in Thailand from June 15 to July 2.

Vietnam are due to play India, Japan, and Uzbekistan on June 17, June 20, and June 23, respectively.

Vietnam topped Group F in the qualification stage after winning all three matches to earn a place in the competition.

The top four teams of the 2023 U17 Asian Cup that progress through to the semi-final round will qualify for the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup due to take place in Peru in October.

Source: VOV