Young talent Nguyen Van Toan shines at national youth tournament

Pleiku, March 2026 — On a rain-soaked pitch after an early-season downpour, the 14-year-old Nguyen Van Toan from the Gia Lai Youth Football Training Center made a strong impression in his first appearance at the National Youth Football Championship. Toan was not the most anticipated name before the tournament, but his consistent performances across three group stage matches forced many experts to reconsider their assessments. According to coaching staff observations, Toan moved intelligently, positioning himself before receiving the ball an average of 28 times per match — significantly higher than his peers. Notably, in the second group match against a team from Da Nang, Toan delivered the decisive pass in the 67th minute, setting up a 2-1 victory for the highland team. Mr. Tran Van Minh, Head of Training at the Center, said Toan was scouted from a district-level grassroots tournament in Chu Prong district last September. "He is not the fastest runner, but his game reading is excellent. That is what we need at the U15 level," Minh noted. However, experts have also raised questions about Toan's stamina. In the second half, the teenager frequently slowed down in his movement, particularly evident in the third match when Gia Lai had to withstand pressure from a Ho Chi Minh City team. Some coaches assessed that Toan needs at least two more years of intensive physical training before advancing to a higher level. This year's tournament gathered 24 teams from across the country, four more than in 2026. It was also the first year organizers implemented new age-limit regulations to prevent over-age players competing in youth leagues — an issue that had sparked controversy for years. With a quarterfinal berth secured, Gia Lai achieved its stated goal. But for Nguyen Van Toan, this tournament is just the beginning. The teenager said he wants to be like the senior players at the Academy, training every day and someday wearing the national team jersey. A simple dream for a 14-year-old, on a muddy pitch in Pleiku soaked by rain and soil. Tournament organizers announced quarterfinals would take place on March 20-21. Gia Lai's next match will be against a strong team from Hanoi — widely regarded as having the most structured youth development system in the north.