Former U19 Vietnam striker scores first goal in V.League

Moved to Hai Phong at the beginning of this season on loan, Nguyen Viet Nguyen's familiar position at the new team is on the bench. Since the beginning of the season, the striker born in 1995 has only played 37 minutes. It is worth mentioning that instead of playing in his usual position as a striker, Nguyen Viet Nguyen has had to take on the role of a center back.

In the match between Than Quang Ninh and Hai Phong in round 13, it was not until the 67th minute that Nguyen Viet Nguyen was sent onto the field by coach Truong Viet Hoang to replace Le Xuan Hung. Just like when he entered the field in the match between Ho Chi Minh City Club and Hai Phong (round 1), the 24-year-old player had to continue playing in the central position of the defense.

Nguyen Viet Nguyen is playing as a center back at Hai Phong. Photo: VPF

Despite having to play in his weak position, Nguyen Viet Nguyen has completed his task quite excellently. Not only did he help Hai Phong's defense play more solidly, but he also directly brought home a goal for his team. At Cam Pha Stadium, in the 3rd minute of extra time, Nguyen Viet Nguyen jumped high and headed the ball accurately, defeating goalkeeper Nguyen Tuan Linh.

Nguyen Viet Nguyen's goal was not enough to help Hai Phong avoid defeat against Than Quang Ninh, however, this is still an encouragement for the striker from Nghe An. Remember, the goal against Than Quang Ninh in round 13 was only Nguyen Viet Nguyen's first goal in the V.League arena in nearly 4 seasons playing for SLNA and Hai Phong (playing for SLNA's first team at the beginning of the 2016 season).

Not many people know that Nguyen Viet Nguyen was once called up by coach Graechen to the Vietnam U19 team to prepare for the 2014 AFC U19 Championship. Unfortunately, the player who grew up at SLNA was unable to join Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Tuan Anh, Luong Xuan Truong, etc. in the tournament held in Myanmar.