Former Song Lam Nghe An goalkeeper: From the bench to a leader on the field

Growing up from the training center of Song Lam Nghe An, the goalkeeper from Yen Thanh only played for his hometown team for 1 season. With his senior having to take a long break due to injury, Duong Van Cuong was registered by the Coaching Board of Song Lam Nghe An to participate in the second leg of V.League 2019.

However, Duong Van Cuong did not get to play once, because the official position in goal of Song Lam Nghe An always belonged to national player Nguyen Van Hoang. If necessary, Tran Van Tien will be the option used when Nguyen Van Hoang is absent. Even throughout the 2020 season, Duong Van Cuong had to "practice alone" in the youth team.

As a last resort, at the end of that year, Duong Van Cuong proactively terminated his contract with the Vinh Stadium team. The next destination was Phu Dong Club, a team playing in the National First Division. As the saying goes: "All beginnings are difficult", in the first two seasons wearing the Phu Dong Club shirt (2021 - 2022), Duong Van Cuong's familiar position was on the bench.

However, this season, things have gone more smoothly for the owner of the title "Best Goalkeeper" at the 2017 National U19 Tournament. Up to this point, Duong Van Cuong has played 14 matches with a total duration of 1,332 minutes. Duong Van Cuong's excellence has contributed significantly to the early relegation achievement of the Ninh Binh home team.

Not only does Duong Van Cuong perform well the role of a modern goalkeeper with quick reflexes, reasonable entry and exit and skillful use of feet, he also demonstrates his leadership qualities. That is why in the match against Ba Ria - Vung Tau Club in round 14 of the 2023 National First Division, Duong Van Cuong was honored to be given the captain's armband by coach Nguyen Van Dan.

It is known that the 3-year contract between Phu Dong Club and Duong Van Cuong will also expire when the 2023 season officially ends. The goalkeeper born in 1999 affirmed: "At this time, my teammates and I are still focusing on the remaining matches of the home team. My top priority is to continue contributing to Phu Dong Club."

Hopefully, Duong Van Cuong will receive a worthy reward for his tireless efforts. It is not known whether Phu Dong Club will retain him or not, but with his performances in the 2023 season, the former goalkeeper of Song Lam Nghe An has "caught the eye" of many teams. A bright future is calling the 24-year-old "goalkeeper"./.