Can we rest assured with Tan Truong's goalkeeper position in AFF Cup?

"I think Tan Truong's performance in the recent matches has been okay. In fact, their goalkeepers have suffered a lot, under a lot of pressure. To analyze the losses carefully, the fault lies with the defense system, the situation and because the level of the Vietnamese team is far behind the top opponents in the continent. I think Tan Truong has shown his ability, there is nothing to criticize," said goalkeeper coach Nguyen Duc Canh.

Tan Truong is assessed to have completed his task in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Hai Hoang

According to statistics, in the last 6 matches in Group B, the 3rd qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup in Asia,Tan TruongHe was the main referee for 4 matches against Saudi Arabia (first and second leg), China and Japan. Meanwhile, Dang Van Lam was the main referee for the match against Australia, and Van Toan was the main referee for the match against Oman.

In 4 matches as a goalkeeper for the Vietnam national team, Tan Truong conceded 8 goals, an average of 2 goals/match. The Dong Thap goalkeeper had to pick the ball out of the net mainly from high balls and penalties.

"Coach Park Hang-seo has four goalkeepers, but Tan Truong is still the most trusted because he plays a lot, has good skills, and performs well in training sessions and matches. I think the recent losses are the whole team's fault. Many people unfairly blame Tan Truong for the loss to Saudi Arabia. A player who misses a penalty kick is not under as much pressure as a goal conceded by a goalkeeper," said coach Nguyen Duc Canh.

After 6 matches in the 3rd qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup, the Vietnamese team entered the journey to defend the AFF Cup championship. This tournament took place in 2018, Dang Van Lam shone, contributing greatly to the championship trophy of Park Hang-seo's army.

Tan Truong is still the most trusted goalkeeper of the Vietnam national team. Photo: Hai Hoang

It is really unfortunate that Dang Van Lam is injured and cannot participate in the AFF Cup 2020, but according to coach Duc Canh, even if the Vietnamese-American goalkeeper plays, the competition in the national team is not easy.

"Van Lam unfortunately got injured, hopefully he can return to play soon. Many people remember Van Lam in the Vietnam national team, but currently we also have good goalkeepers, and we should encourage them.

All four current goalkeepers in the Vietnam national team have the opportunity, and all are competing for a starting position. It is a competition with everything that must be shown on the training ground and in the upcoming matches. The competition is not only based on expertise but also on the spirit of dedication," coach Duc Canh emphasized.

Finally, the former Vietnam national team goalkeeper coach believes that even if they are young goalkeepers, Tan Truong, Van Lam or anyone else must play with team spirit and coordinate well with the defense. Especially when each goalkeeper makes a mistake, they must know how to overcome it to avoid repeating the mistake and assert their position.