'Red alert' for Nguyen Cong Phuong

In contrast to his excellent performances against Hanoi (Vietnam Super Cup), Yangon United and Hougang United (AFC Cup), Nguyen Cong Phuong "suddenly" became harmless. The most notable situation of the player born in 1995 in the two matches against Quang Nam and Lao Toyota was the accurate free kick, helping defender Ngo Viet Phu score the equalizer 1-1, which took place at Tam Ky Stadium, on March 6.

Although he is very active in moving and actively fighting for the ball, the effectiveness that Nguyen Cong Phuong brings to his team is very modest. It seems that "Vietnamese Messi" has been figured out or is no longer himself after his continuous brilliant performances, in the period when he just returned to Vietnam from Belgium.

Nguyen Cong Phuong is no longer as effective as he was when he first joined Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Football Club

Just a backup option on the attack line of the V.League runner-up, the player from Hai Duong has proven his killer instinct. Two consecutive doubles against Quang Nam and Lao Toyota not only helped Ho Chi Minh City gain 3 full points, but also served as a "threat" from Nguyen Xuan Nam to his junior Nguyen Cong Phuong. The "main double" position is very close to the player born in 1994. Obviously, "Vietnamese Messi" has more reason to worry.

With such a poor performance compared to Nguyen Xuan Nam, the risk of being pushed to the bench of the former Sint Truidense striker is not small. It is difficult for coach Chung Hae-seong to continue to be patient with Nguyen Cong Phuong, if "Vietnamese Messi" is still unlucky with the opponent's net, while Nguyen Xuan Nam continues to "shoot" after each time he is put on the field as a substitute, even replacing Nguyen Cong Phuong, like in the match against Quang Nam in round 1 of V.League 2020.

Nguyen Xuan Nam is having a very impressive scoring efficiency at the beginning of this season. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Football Club

While striker Amido Balde is always coach Chung Hae-seong's first choice for the top position in Ho Chi Minh City's attack, the remaining position will be a direct competition between Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Xuan Nam, Vu Quang Nam and Pham Van Thanh. Whoever has better form will be able to play alongside striker Amido Balde. At the moment, Nguyen Xuan Nam is playing more prominently, thanks to 4 "golden" goals against Quang Nam and Lao Toyota.

Looks like the alarm has been sounded for Nguyen Cong Phuong!