Opportunities and challenges for Van Khanh

(Baonghean.vn) - If successful in the role of leader of the U22 Vietnam defense to participate in the qualifying roundU23 Asia 2018, the door to the future football career of central defender Van Khanh will be wide open.

Previously, HAGL goalkeeper Le Van Truong withdrew due to a level 2 ligament injury, and when center back Bui Tien Dung asked to return to play the last 2 matches of the First Division for Viettel, U22 Vietnam only had 26 players left. Next, Duc Huy's injury made coach Huu Thang decide to play a 4-4-2 formation when facing U23 East Timor.

Main lineup

It is not difficult to see that Coach Huu Thang will use the upcoming U23 Asian qualifiers to assemble the squad and test tactics for the 29th SEA Games. When Xuan Truong had to sit out due to a penalty, Tuan Anh was showing signs of a relapse, Huu Thang made a rather wise decision.

The U22 players were ordered to practice in the rain to get used to all weather conditions. Photo: Internet

He took the opportunity to test Duy Manh in the central midfielder role of a 4-4-2 formation with Tuan Anh. The two wings, of course Quang Hai (left) and Van Toan (right) were equipped with two completely new full-backs.

The right wing will be Duy Hau, this left back was included by Fox Sport in the squad of the best young Asian players attending the U20 World Cup. Van Thanh, who just had a successful test match against Viettel, will join Van Toan on the right wing.

In the upcoming U23 Asian qualifiers and SEA Games 29, in addition to Quang Hai's cross, Van Toan will have more crosses from the defender duo Van Thanh - Van Hau.

Captain Cong Phuong continues to play as a starter with Thanh Binh in the attack. The coaching staff needs a striker with good physique, who can play aggressively and act as a wall to supplement and support players with good personal technical qualities such as Cong Phuong and Van Toan.

In fact, Duc Chinh is also an effective striker, but his playing style is similar to Van Toan and Cong Phuong, which will more or less reduce the necessary diversity of the attack.

Opportunity for Van Khanh

Center back Van Khanh will play alongside Dinh Trong, who has just been appointed to replace center back Bui Tien Dung. These are players who have fought in many matches in the V-League, are tall and "thin". Appearing in the U22 VN shirt, the Nghe An center back has only played averagely for a long time, not showing the necessary qualities of a defensive leader.

The U22 defense line including Van Thanh, Van Khanh, Dinh Trong, Van Hau and goalkeeper Phi Long has not yet had a true "locomotive". With his long experience in the national team, Van Thanh should be the player participating in commanding the defense, but with his mobile playing style and frequent participation in attacks, HAGL players cannot take on this role.

Coach Huu Thang plans to use the upcoming U23 Asian qualifiers to assemble the squad and test tactics for the 29th SEA Games. Photo: Internet

The burden of leading the defense was “suddenly” placed on the shoulders of center back Hoang Van Khanh, a former student of Huu Thang. That means Van Khanh had to be responsible for “yelling” at the two central midfielders Duy Manh and Tuan Anh to participate in the defense from a distance, reminding his teammates to mark him and personally being present to solve the problem at hot spots.

The role that SLNA seniors like Huu Thang and Huy Hoang have taken on and left a mark of success in the national team.

If he succeeds in his new role as the leader of the U22 Vietnam defense, Van Khanh’s chances of playing in the national team will be wider than ever. This is a real challenge for Van Khanh on his “shorts and jersey” career path.

Fans and the SLNA fan community wish you to show your mettle, play calmly and effectively in every phase of the ball.

AT