Cong Phuong has not yet proven his leadership role.

(Baonghean.vn) - HAGL suffered their third consecutive defeat after coach Nguyen Quoc Tuan and his team were defeated by SLNA with a score of 2-0. One of the players who left the biggest disappointment was star Cong Phuong.

Traveling to Vinh Stadium to play as a guest against SLNA in round 10 of V. League, HAGL is expected to end the losing streak at 2 matches when the home team is facing numerous difficulties both in terms of expertise and fighting spirit. The weak defeat with a score of 1 - 3 at Thong Nhat Stadium of Saigon FC, along with rumors related to central defender Que Ngoc Hai, has put SLNA in a miserable situation.

Meeting the Nghe An team at this time is the best opportunity for coach Nguyen Quoc Tuan and his team to find the joy of victory again after the bitter failures right on the "holy land" of Pleiku against Ho Chi Minh City Club and S. Khanh Hoa. Obviously, considering all factors before the ball rolls, apart from the home field advantage, SLNA is not better, if not to say somewhat weaker than the away team from the Central Highlands.

SLNA players "take good care" of Cong Phuong. Photo: Duc Anh

However, the expectations of HAGL fans did not come true when Cong Phuong and his teammates had a lackluster performance against SLNA. It is undeniable that HAGL's coaching staff was weak in terms of tactics, because their playing style was too easy for opponents to predict. But the responsibility of Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan's students was also quite large, leading to HAGL's quick, comprehensive defeat at Vinh Stadium. And the most blameworthy person must be striker and captain Cong Phuong.

In his return to his homeland to face SLNA, once again “Vietnam’s Messi” played poorly. Facing a defense that was considered to lack solidity and stability like the Nghe team (conceding goals in all 9 matches in V. League 2017), Cong Phuong still could not do anything.

During the 90 minutes on the field, the player wearing the number 10 shirt only made a few dribbles, then was immediately neutralized in the midfield area. The qualities that have been praised by the public for so long have not appeared from the feet of the striker from Do Luong.

After dropping deep to receive the ball, moving to the left wing to coordinate with Van Thanh and Hong Duy, Cong Phuong still could not escape the control of Van Vinh, Que Ngoc Hai and Sy Nam. It was the harmlessness of the 1995-born player that caused HAGL's attack to fall into a deadlock.

The visitors’ coordinated moves and attacks were met with a dead end in front of SLNA’s solid wall. It felt like the weak punches that HAGL made were like hitting their heads against a wall.

“Vietnamese Messi” pales in Vinh stadium. Photo: Duc Anh

Unable to lead the team's attack, Cong Phuong also lacked the role of a goalscorer. Arranged to play in the striker position, the striker with 3 goals and 3 assists could not launch a single dangerous shot towards goalkeeper Nguyen Manh's goal.

Possessing excellent individual technique and the ability to operate independently, Cong Phuong showed a lack of feeling in choosing favorable positions to receive passes from his teammates. The player's range of activities only revolved around an area quite far from SLNA's penalty area. Therefore, Cong Phuong was blocked by the home team's midfielders and defenders.

Not only has his pure expertise not been proven, even the spirit factor of Cong Phuong has brought disappointment. Wearing the captain's armband of HAGL, Cong Phuong has not proven the role of a true leader.

In a match dominated by the home team SLNA with an early goal from Olaha in the first minute, the players from the Central Highlands showed tension and passivity, while Cong Phuong still played quietly without any action to stimulate the fighting spirit of his teammates. That shows that Cong Phuong’s captaincy is just “in name only”.

Not only that, the striker born in 1995 sometimes showed an inappropriate attitude towards the referee. Specifically, in the 61st minute, when his teammate Van Toan was flagged offside by the linesman, Cong Phuong was upset and wanted to rush to the sideline to argue, but Que Ngoc Hai from SLNA promptly stopped him. With a resentful look, the former U19 Vietnam player hinted that the referees were forcing HAGL by ignoring the home team's fouls.

Cong Phuong made some malicious tackles. Photo: Duc Anh

There were even some situations where Cong Phuong made malicious tackles, typically a dangerous high kick against home defender Ngoc Duc... The 22-year-old striker's actions went against HAGL's principles of beautiful football.

However, for a young player like Cong Phuong, in a situation where the home team is behind, it is understandable and sympathetic to let such unsightly actions happen.

But in terms of expertise, the striker who spent a year studying in Japan for Mito Hollyhock Club deserves to receive criticism from fans. HAGL's defeat to SLNA at Vinh Stadium in the last round was largely due to star Cong Phuong. Is it possible that the player from Do Luong is slowing down, or is his talent limited to that level? Only Cong Phuong can give the most accurate answer./.

Thanh Hung