Coach Kim Sang Sik has a special 'sweeper' on his team.

Following the unsatisfactory draw with Singapore, Coach Kim Sang Sik transformed the reserve player Lê Phạm Thành Long into an indispensable element in Vietnam's victory structure.

Before the ASEAN Cup 2026, Coach Kim Sang Sik had the idea of usingHoàng Đứcand Quang Hải simultaneously to enhance ball control, creativity, and apply pressure.

That setup was highly offensive, but the draw against Singapore highlighted a problem: Vietnam lacked a player capable of breaking up play, recovering the ball, and serving as a foundation behind the creative-minded midfielders.

Quang Hảiand Hoàng Đức are both talented, but when they play together in the center, they get in each other's way. Therefore, the team needed a player to provide balance. Thành Long was the answer.

Since the victory over Indonesia, the 30-year-old midfielder was given a starting role and immediately made an impact. In his last three starts,Thành Longhas left his mark and earned an average rating close to 8. What is even more remarkable is that his contribution goes beyond just tackling or ball recovery.

Thành Long is now showing a much more complete version of himself. The 2-0 win over Malaysia is the clearest evidence. In a match where Vietnam deliberately played deeper, had less possession, and faced significant pressure from the hosts,Thành Longbecame the "anchor" that prevented the midfield from being dragged into the opponent's rhythm.

But the Hanoi Police FC midfielder does more than just clear the ball, sweep, or recover. In the final minute of the first half, Thành Long made a clever pass for Tiến Anh to break through. Tiến Anh's subsequent cross created the turning-point goal for Xuân Son. A pass from a holding midfielder but with the value of an assist.

Earlier, against Indonesia, Thành Long set up Hai Long for a one-on-one chance that made it 2-0. Against Cambodia, Long delivered a delicate chip to set up Đình Bắc's goal. Three starts, three matches where Thành Long directly influenced crucial goals for Vietnam.

If Doãn Ngọc Tân made a strong impression at the ASEAN Cup 2024 as a combative holding midfielder, Thành Long now can be seen as a more refined version in terms of football intelligence.

Thành Long still knows how to sweep, tackle, and recover, but he also possesses sharp observation, passing ability, and calm decision-making with a clear head.

At age 30, after moving through several V-League clubs and contributing to the V-League 2025/26 title with Hanoi Police,Thành Longis at his peak. The player who came through the HAGL academy no longer needs flashy performances to prove his worth. Consistency is what speaks loudest.

From a player who was nearly only brought along as a "just in case" option, Thành Long has become a factor that makes Vietnam's tactics more balanced. Thanks to him, Hoàng Đức can freely organize play, Tiến Anh can push forward confidently, and the defense has an extra layer of protection.

Most importantly, Thành Long helps Vietnam avoid having to choose between style and effectiveness. The team can attack with Hoàng Đức, Quang Hải, Tiến Anh, and Xuân Son while still maintaining defensive solidity, thanks to a smart holding midfielder.