Forward Xuan Son: 'I must improve my defensive play as well'

Pleased with his brace that helped Nam Dinh reach the ASEAN Cup semi-finals, forward Nguyen Xuan Son believes he still has many areas where he can perform better.

Nguyen Xuan Son only recently returned to the field at the end of 11/2025, after 11 months of treatment for an injury sustained in the 2024 ASEAN Cup second leg final. His immediate impact has been crucial for Nam Dinh Club's success in the 2025-2026 ASEAN Club Cup.

The naturalized forward of Brazilian origin quickly integrated back into play. For the Vietnam national team, he scored one goal against Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. For Nam Dinh Club, Son scored a brace against Bangkok United (Thailand) and Lion City (Singapore), interspersed with a hat-trick against Shan United (Myanmar) in the 2025-2026 ASEAN Club Cup.

Xuan Son dribbles during Nam Dinh's 3-0 victory over Lion City in the 4th round of Group B of the 2025-2026 ASEAN Club Cup, on the evening of 29/1, at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh. *Photo: Lam Duong*

Nam Dinh's 3-0 victory over Lion City last night helped the team maintain its perfect winning streak with 4 matches, topping Group B and securing a spot in the semi-finals. "I am happy with this victory", Son shared after the match at Thien Truong Stadium (Ninh Binh). He credited his consistent effort and the support from his teammates and Coach Mauro Jeronimo: "I have trained hard every day. My teammates and Coach Mauro Jeronimo have also provided a lot of support. They always try to pass the ball and create many scoring opportunities for me".

Born in Brazil, Rafaelson was naturalized as a Vietnamese citizen in 9/2024 after five consecutive years playing in the V-League, adopting the name Nguyen Xuan Son. He subsequently became the first naturalized player without Vietnamese heritage to be called up to the national team since 2009. During Vietnam's 2024 ASEAN Cup championship run, Son made significant contributions with 7 goals, earning him the top scorer title and Player of the Tournament award.

Currently, Son is the number one choice for both the Vietnam national team and Nam Dinh Club's attack. Despite his scoring prowess, the forward born in 1997 sees room for improvement. "I am completely confident in my scoring ability", he stated. "In fact, I also know areas where I can perform even better, including my defensive ability".

Xuan Son celebrates a goal making the score 2-0 for Nam Dinh, during the match against Lion City in the 4th round of Group B of the 2025-2026 ASEAN Club Cup, on the evening of 29/1, at Thien Truong Stadium, Ninh Binh. *Photo: Lam Duong*

Following their elimination from the AFC Cup, Nam Dinh now has three objectives: the V-League, the National Cup, and the ASEAN Club Cup. Son emphasized the team's ambition, particularly for the regional championship. "We have quality players and a strong team. We need to play to our full potential and adhere to the coach's tactics. Honestly, I really want to win the championship, and we will strive to achieve that goal", he stressed.

Coach Mauro Jeronimo shares Son's vision and offered much praise for his player, acknowledging his potential. "This is not yet the best version of Son", he said. "He has not reached 100% physical condition. Imagine what he will be able to achieve when he is in perfect physical shape". The Portuguese coach also values Son's willingness to track back and defend from deep. "Son puts in a lot of effort even in situations without the ball. He works hard at pressing and supports defense from afar. You saw it, Nam Dinh's second goal came from such a situation", he stated.

After four rounds of Group B, Nam Dinh continues to lead with 12 points (a goal difference of +9), while Johor Darul Tazim ranks second with 10 points (+9). Both teams have secured their spots in the semi-finals.

In the final group stage match on 5/2, Nam Dinh only needs a draw against Johor Darul Tazim to secure first place in the group.