Vietnamese defender voted Asia's future star

By Hoang Nguyen April 1, 2022 | 01:16 am PT

Vietnamese footballer Nguyen Thanh Binh (R) and UAE's Harib Abdalla. Photo by the Asian Football Confederation

Nguyen Thanh Binh has been picked as the future star following a vote on the Asian Football Confederation website.

Binh won the vote against UAE talent Harib Abdalla with 67.4 percent. Both Binh and Abdalla boasted impressive performances in the last fixture of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

In the 1-1 draw against Japan on Tuesday, Binh scored from a header. The 21-year-old also played an important part in Vietnam's defense with 40 touches and six clearances. He's currently one of the best young talents in Vietnam.

The 19-year-old Abdalla also impressed after scoring the only goal that helped UAE defeat South Korea 1-0 and secure a place in the World Cup playoff with Australia.

Binh's goal helped Vietnam get the first-ever draw against Japan at the national level. This draw also increased Vietnam’s FIFA ranking, from 98th to 96th.

Vietnam concluded their journey in the final round of World Cup qualifiers with one win, one draw and eight defeats. It's also the best result that a Southeast Asian team have achieved in the final round.