Two strikers from Nghe An province share the same home but different circumstances.
Although both are new recruits for Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc, Ho Tuan Tai and Nguyen Cong Phuong's situations are completely different.
Joining Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc, Ho Tuan Tai is expected to perform alongside...Nguyen Cong PhuongThey will form a formidable attacking duo that will dominate the 2024/2025 National First Division League. In the past, they were effective partners in the Vietnam U19 team under coach Guillaume Graechen and the Vietnam U23 team under coach Nguyen Huu Thang.
Unfortunately, after the 2017 SEA Games, the career paths of Ho Tuan Tai and Nguyen Cong Phuong diverged. While Ho Tuan Tai received fewer opportunities to play for the national team, Nguyen Cong Phuong achieved great success with the Vietnam U23 team and the senior national team, notably finishing as runners-up in the 2018 AFC U23 Championship, winning the 2019 SEA Games, and winning the 2018 AFF Cup.
After a long period of going their separate ways, at the beginning of this season, Ho Tuan Tai and Nguyen Cong Phuong were reunited under one roof - Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc. However, to date, only Nguyen Cong Phuong has received the trust of coach Nguyen Anh Duc. And the striker from Do Luong district has excellently fulfilled his assigned tasks (5 goals, 1 assist).
In contrast to the impressive performances of his teammate from Nghe An province, Ho Tuan Tai has frequently found himself on the bench. According to statistics, the former Song Lam Nghe An player has only appeared on the field for a mere 59 minutes, less than two-thirds of a match's duration. Clearly, Ho Tuan Tai is struggling to compete for a starting position with his teammates.
Currently at Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc, coach Nguyen Anh Duc has the services of many quality strikers. Besides Nguyen Cong Phuong and Ho Tuan Tai, there are also Ho Sy Giap, Le Thanh Binh, Nguyen Huu Khoi, Cu Nguyen Khanh, and Le Van Nam. To be able to play, Ho Tuan Tai must possess excellent physical fitness and be in truly high form.
Hopefully, the break for the Vietnamese national team to compete in the ASEAN Cup 2024 will help Ho Tuan Tai regain his former level. If that happens, Vietnamese football fans will once again witness the "dynamic duo" of Nguyen Cong Phuong and Ho Tuan Tai in the colors of Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc, a "giant" of the 2024/2025 National First Division League.
