Vietnam NT 2025: structure, roles, and selection criteria

1. Line distances: close enough to counter-press for 5–8 seconds, far enough to avoid one-pass eliminations.
2. Safe pass directions: prefer vertical/diagonal passes into half-spaces; avoid “blind” square balls in the middle.
3. Second-line anchors: timed arrivals that receive behind the press without exposing the rest defence.

The #6 isn’t just a passer. The real value is tempo control (when to accelerate vs. hold) and positioning that blocks counters.

Quick checklist: body angle, receive in the pocket beside the opponent’s striker, and always keep a return lane to your centre-backs.

In international football, low blocks are common. Late arrivals create a second wave while keeping numbers for rest defence.

Interested in a 3-4-3 lens? Read: 3-4-3: when to push wing-backs.

The goal is a stable choice architecture: safe lanes, support triangles, and risk control after turnovers. When the foundation is stable, predictions become logical scenarios — not vibes.