Asian Cup 2019: Why does Mr. Park favor "young wings"?

Irreplaceable position

In 2018, in the U23, Olympic Vietnam and national team jerseys, Quang Hai played a total of 2,223 minutes, accounting for 82% of the teams' time and becoming the player with the most playing time. The playing time of this player number 19 far exceeded that of his two teammates Tran Dinh Trong (2,042 minutes) and Do Duy Manh (1,980), although he was the player who received the most attention from the opponents. At the AFF Cup 2018, Quang Hai was "taken care of" very carefully by the players of the Philippines and Malaysia.

Quang Hai left his mark on 37% of the goals of the 3 teams U23, Olympic Vietnam and national team in 2018. Photo: Trung Kien

Also in the past year, our teams played 30 matches, won 17, drew 7 and lost 6, scored 43 goals and conceded 27. The 2018 Vietnam Golden Ball scored 10 goals, assisted 6 goals, and made a mark on 37% of the teams' goals, topping the list of Vietnamese players.

As a player with the most complete individual technique among Vietnamese players, along with the tactical vision of the leader of the attack, Quang Hai plays the role of conductor in all 3 teams: U23, Vietnam Olympic and national team. Whether playing in the position of central midfielder or winger, Quang Hai always has powerful long-range shots and extremely creative assists.

The future of Vietnamese football is in the hands of Quang Hai and the young players, the third golden generation.

Growing up through each tournament

Surpassing many seniors Phi Son, Minh Tuan, Thanh Trung, Van Toan, Cong Phuong..., Quang Hai and Van Duc are showing that they are the optimal choice for the attacking midfielder position in the 3-4-3 formation.

In 2018, Van Duc had 6 goals and 7 assists, ranking second on the list. Photo: Hai Thinh

If Quang Hai left his mark on 37% of the goals of the 3 teams U23, Olympic Vietnam and national team in 2018, then with Van Duc, that rate was 30%. In 2018, Van Duc had 6 goals and 7 assists.

If with 10 goals, Quang Hai is at the top of the scoring list after Cong Phuong (8 goals), Van Duc (6 goals), then the Nghe An player is the "assist king" ranked above Quang Hai (6 assists), Anh Duc (5 assists). Van Duc's playing style is simple but effective, the opponent is always surprised by the handling of the Nghe An boy. It seems that before the ball reaches his feet, Van Duc has already come up with a solution in his head, so the attack speed is always pushed up high.

Although coach Park Hang-Seo arranged the players to play "opposite positions" in many matches, the winger pair Quang Hai - Van Duc still left their mark on 29/43 goals, accounting for 67.4%. When both players played together, the team often balanced the two wings, causing difficulties for the opponent because the playing style of these two players was both aggressive, attacking and defending rhythmically. Because they played together in many matches, both proactively switched wings, coordinating well with other midfielders. Van Duc also played quite well with Van Hau on the left wing in both defense and attack, when needed, the SLNA player also retreated deep into the middle of the field to support the central midfielder.

The common strength of these two players, in addition to having many assists for teammates, is that they can also break into open spaces to directly score goals. Both have the skills of attacking strikers, they can shoot the ball well, choose favorable falling points to score goals, making up for the disadvantage of their physique.

Facing 3 tall Central Asian teams, Quang Hai and Van Duc will certainly have to prepare their best moves. Vietnamese fans hope that the Vietnamese team will be the first AFF Cup champion to win a match at the Asian Cup and Quang Hai and Van Duc will be the ones to score the goals./.