Le Van Do (red jersey) is named among the top five breakout stars of SEA Games 31 (Photo: Dan Tri)

According to the media outlet, the nation’s successful defense of their football title was largely built off the back of a solid backline.

It noted that the Vietnamese U23 team did not concede a single goal during six matches played at the tournament.

“The standout member of the Golden Star Warriors' defense though, was right-wing back Do, arguably been their player of the tournament,” says the Strait Times.

It assessed that the Vietnamese player was able to protect his flank with assurance whilst also providing a solid attacking outlet.

“He scored in Vietnam's first game, a 3-0 win over Indonesia, which set the tone for the rest of the competition. A first national team cap surely beckons,” the newspaper stressed.

Elsewhere on the list, four other athletes were also selected, including Nor Sarah Adi of Malaysia in athletics, Aleah Finnegan of the Philippines in gymnastics, Teong Tzen Wei of Singapore in swimming, and Puripol Boonson of Thailand in athletics.