Chu Ngọc Nguyễn Lực celebrates his goal at the 2026 ASEAN U17 Championship semi-final against Australia in Indonesia on Wednesday. — Photo courtesy of VFF

HÀ NỘI — With four goals and a profound influence on games, midfielder Chu Ngọc Nguyễn Lực has emerged as the shining star for Việt Nam’s U17 team at the 2026 ASEAN U17 Championship in Indonesia.

In Việt Nam’s dramatic semi-final clash against Australia on Wednesday, it was Lực who delivered the decisive moment, scoring a precise close-range finish to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory. His sharp positioning and composure under pressure have made him a constant threat to opposing defenders.

Earlier in the tournament, Lực, 15, showed maturity beyond his years with a classy hat-trick against Timor-Leste. Notably, two of those goals came from direct free kicks, highlighting his technical quality and exceptional set-piece ability.

Against Australia, Việt Nam conceded an early goal from a swift counter-attack. However, the setback did not rattle the young squad. Instead of panicking, the Golden Star Warriors remained composed and stuck to their tactical plan.

Reflecting on the match, head coach Cristiano Roland said the team had anticipated the challenge of facing a disciplined opponent.

" Even after conceding early, the players stayed confident. We didn’t lose focus and remained patient in our build-up play. That composure was key to turning the game around against a strong opponent like Australia," he said.

After that, the Brazilian coach’s tactical adjustments paid off.

Việt Nam increased the pressure and found the equaliser on the stroke of half-time before Lực struck in the 60th minute to complete the comeback, sealing a 2-1 win.

Coach Roland praised his team’s effort. He said: “I want to thank the coaching staff and the players for their fighting spirit. This is a well-deserved victory for everything the team have shown.”

Under Roland’s guidance, Lực operates as a free-roaming attacking midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 formation. He serves as the vital link between defence and attack, combining strong tactical awareness with an impressive ability to control the tempo of the game.

Experts have likened Lực’s playing style to a blend of a Belgian professional footballer, Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity and Nguyễn Hoàng Đức’s composure. His ability to navigate tight spaces and deliver incisive through passes has been crucial in breaking down deep defensive lines.

Mettle of a young champion

Despite being just 15 years old, Lực has already built an impressive list of achievements at the youth level. He was named Best Player at the 2025 National U17 Championship, playing a key role in helping Hà Nội successfully defend their title. He also made headlines in 2023 by scoring a brace against U16 Dortmund in a friendly tournament in China.

Beyond his technical ability, Lực’s discipline and maturity set him apart as a rising talent. He maintains the habit of praying before each match to stay mentally focused. His ambition extends beyond winning the ASEAN title, and he aims to become a professional player and represent the national team at the highest level. 

The final between Việt Nam and Malaysia on Friday will provide the biggest stage yet for Lực to once again prove his talent and potential. — VNS