Who will play instead of Phan Van Duc at King's Cup 2019?

Since the quarter-finals of the 2018 AFC U23 Championship, Phan Van Duc has always been coach Park Hang-seo’s first choice for one of the three highest positions in attack. Although he can play in many different positions (right-back, winger, attacking midfielder, striker, etc.), the position that Duc “cot” plays best is midfielder or left winger. What Phan Van Duc has shown in the colors of SLNA, U23 Vietnam, Olympic Vietnam and the Vietnam National Team is clear proof.

Phan Van Duc is coach Park Hang-seo's number 1 choice for the left striker position. Photo: File

However, due to not recovering from his injury in time, the Nghe An player was not called up by coach Park Hang-seo to the Vietnam national team to participate in the King's Cup 2019 in Thailand. Phan Van Duc's absence will significantly affect the playing style as well as the strength of the reigning AFF Cup champions. It is not known which player will be assigned by the Korean strategist to take over the position left by Phan Van Duc? Because currently, coach Park Hang-seo has many faces who can play well in the left position on the 3-man attack line of the Vietnam national team.

Nguyen Cong Phuong is the strongest candidate to replace Phan Van Duc. Photo: File

The first face is Nguyen Cong Phuong. The player currently playing for Incheon United is the strongest candidate for the left-sided striker position. With his skillful individual technique and his ability to dribble, the striker born in 1995 is a dangerous "drill" capable of defeating any opponent's defense. Coach Park Hang-seo will almost certainly put his trust in Nguyen Cong Phuong, even though he has just gone through a difficult time in Korea. Simply put, Nguyen Cong Phuong is very trusted by Mr. Park.

The second face is Nguyen Phong Hong Duy. In the past, the player currently on the HAGL team was pushed up to play as an attacker on the left wing by coach Park Hang-seo and has excellently completed the assigned task. As a small, skillful and left-footed player, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy often boldly penetrates the penalty area and launches surprising shots. Letting Nguyen Phong Hong Duy replace Phan Van Duc is not a bad option.

In addition to the two faces mentioned above, in the Vietnam National Team at this time there are still other players who can play in the position of left winger or left striker, if needed. Typically Vu Van Thanh, Nguyen Quang Hai and even Ha Duc Chinh. However, for many different reasons, the possibility of Coach Park Hang-seo using them as "substitutes" for Phan Van Duc is very unlikely. In many aspects, Nguyen Cong Phuong is the face with the most opportunities to take on the position of left winger at King's Cup 2019./.