Michael Olaha and the Satellites Problem

No one can deny the pivotal role Michael Olaha plays in the attacking system of theLam River Nghe An. The Nigerian striker is not only the main scorer but also the transit point, the destination of every counter-attack as well as the "gun barrel" that always makes the opponent wary. With 1 goal and 1 assist after the first 3 rounds of V.League 2025/26, Olaha still maintains his form - something that Song Lam Nghe An really needs in the context of the force is not really stable.

However, building a style of play around Olaha is not a simple matter. To optimize efficiency, the coaching staff needs to find the most suitable "satellites" to fully exploit the Nigerian striker's ability to sweep, wall and finish.

One of the most notable experiments of coach Phan Nhu Thuat is the combination of Michael Olaha and rookie Reon Dale Moore. Although he is new to V.League, the striker from Trinidad & Tobago has shown great potential in connecting with Olaha. The pair had an impressive performance in the victory over Nam Dinh Steel Blue – where Reon Dale Moore and Michael Olaha "found each other" in the goal that sealed the 2-1 score.

Even in the defeat against Hai Phong, Reon Dale Moore still left his mark with two well-coordinated plays with Olaha, creating a storm in front of goalkeeper Dinh Trieu's goal. That shows that, if they had boldly trusted Moore from the start, Song Lam Nghe An could have had a pair of top-class foreign strikers - something that the Nghe An team has rarely had in recent seasons.

More importantly, Moore has now regained his best form after the V.League break and is increasingly adapting to the Vietnamese football environment. The connection between him and Olaha will certainly be the key to opening a new look for the Song Lam Nghe An attack.

Another bright spot in coach Phan Nhu Thuat's personnel arrangement is pushing Ho Van Cuong to play as a right winger. Although the 2003-born player's forte is full-back, when promoted to play higher up the pitch, Van Cuong has demonstrated remarkable adaptability.

Not only possessing speed and the ability to dribble skillfully,Ho Van Cuongalso made a strong impression with his precise crosses and bold finishing ability. The player wearing the number 30 shirt of Song Lam Nghe An is playing more and more confidently, and being trusted continuously in this position partly shows the reasonableness in the strategy of the coaching staff.

However, the problem is that if Van Cuong is used in the front line, the right wing of the defense will lack certainty. This is the area where Phan Ba ​​Quyen still does not bring a sense of security to the fans.

Meanwhile, names like Le Dinh Long Vu or Nguyen Van Bach can completely take on the attacking role on the right wing. Therefore, in some matches or at specific times, the coaching staff needs to have careful calculations to optimize personnel and tactics in this area.

If the right wing is temporarily assured with Van Cuong's mobility, the left wing is a concern for the coaching staff. Tran Manh Quynh and Ngo Van Luong are two players who are used alternately, but neither has made a clear breakthrough to take the absolute starting position.

Ngo Van Luong once delighted fans with a super goal against Nam Dinh Steel Blue. However, stability is something that this player born in 2001 has not had. In the match against Hai Phong, Van Luong appeared lackluster and could not create a breakthrough despite high expectations.

On the contrary, Tran Manh Quynh played quite well in the first round against PVF-CAND but could not maintain his form when given the next opportunity. Both have their own strengths, so the rotation plan to maintain fitness and create competitive motivation may be the best way to maximize the abilities of both Manh Quynh and Van Luong in the long road ahead.

WithMichael Olahaas the core, the attack of Song Lam Nghe An possesses potential pieces to explode. However, the connection between individuals still needs more time to perfect. If coach Phan Nhu Thuat can find the optimal formula between Olaha - Moore - Van Cuong, along with a stable enough left wing, the Nghe An team can completely expect a sharper attack - which will bring more positive results in V.League this season.