Famous player Duong Hong Son: "Van Duc will surpass Cong Vinh"

After the end of AFF Cup 2018, Nghe An Newspaper had an open conversation with former Vietnam National Team goalkeeper - Duong Hong Son.

PV: How do you rate the quality of AFF Cup 2018?

In my opinion, this year’s tournament was quite exciting, with no big differences between teams like in the past. It’s a bit of a pity that at the AFF Cup 2018, the Thai and Philippine teams did not have their strongest squads, as their best players were busy playing for clubs abroad. Otherwise, the tournament would have been even more dramatic and exciting.

Vietnam national football team won the AFF Cup after 10 years of waiting. Photo: Trung Kien

PV: In your opinion, what does the AFF Cup 2018 championship mean to Vietnamese football?

First of all, with the championship just won, Vietnamese football has solved the thirst for the AFF Cup title that lasted for a whole decade. This victory will be a springboard for the country's football to develop even faster in the near future; and our team will be even more respected in big arenas like the ASIAN Cup.

Besides, the AFF Cup 2018 championship also brought football fans in Vietnam back to the country's football, instead of the indifference and coldness like some times before.

PV: Many people think that the 2018 AFF Cup championship is not as impressive as the 2008 AFF Cup championship, because the Vietnamese team did not face the Thai team. What is your opinion?

Such a comparison is lame. Of course, each person has their own point of view and assessment, which is not entirely the same. They say that because they always praise Thailand, always think that Vietnam is the underdog.

Personally, I think that if Coach Park Hang-seo and his team had faced Thailand in the AFF Cup 2018, our team would have had a higher chance of winning. It’s not that Thailand is weaker than them, but that Vietnam is currently very strong. Therefore, the championship of Coach Park Hang-seo and his team is extremely convincing.

Cong Vinh's goal helped Vietnam win the AFF Cup 2008. Photo: Internet

PV: In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between the Vietnam National Team now and the Vietnam National Team 10 years ago?

Perhaps the biggest difference lies in Coach Park Hang-seo and Coach Calisto. While Coach To has to do almost everything, Coach Park has talented collaborators. Previously, the Vietnam National Team did not have a fitness expert or technical director like today. Saying that does not mean I am underestimating the talent and contributions of Coach Park Hang-seo, because in my eyes, both Coach Park and Coach To are very good, very respectable from professional level to interpersonal relationships.

PV: Can you compare the defense of the Vietnam National Team at the AFF Cup 2018 with the defense of the Vietnam National Team 10 years ago?

The defense of the Vietnam national team this year is better, that is obvious. The trio of central defenders Ngoc Hai - Dinh Trong - Duy Manh played extremely solidly and intelligently. From high balls to low balls, they covered each other very tightly, not giving the opponent much space, many opportunities to threaten goalkeeper Van Lam's goal. On the two wings, Van Hau and Trong Hoang also played very well, attacking and defending in harmony.

It must be admitted that the players in the defense of the Vietnam national team possess good football skills and excellent tactical vision. They followed and excellently completed the tasks assigned by coach Park Hang-seo.

The central defender trio Ngoc Hai - Dinh Trong - Duy Manh played extremely solidly and intelligently. Photo: Internet

PV: How do you rate the quality of goalkeepers at AFF Cup 2018?

Honestly, I was not particularly impressed with any goalkeeper at the tournament. The Thai and Malaysian goalkeepers were also average, while the most notable name was Neil Etheridge of the Philippines, who only played one match against Singapore and did not show much.

The player I give the highest score to is our team's goalkeeper Van Lam. However, the AFF Cup 2018 does not have famous strikers like Teerasil Dangda participating, so the challenge for goalkeepers is also noticeably less.

PV: Does that mean you are still not satisfied with goalkeeper Van Lam's performance?

Objectively speaking, Lam “Tay” has only played at an average level. Van Lam’s mentality at many times has not been good, sometimes there are unreasonable moves. For example, in the first leg of the final at Bukit Jalil Stadium. This is also normal, because Lam is young and has just played his first official tournament in the national team jersey. However, in the second leg of the final, Lam played much better, contributing greatly to the victory of the Vietnam team.

PV: Among the 5 Nghe An players competing at the AFF Cup 2018, Ngoc Hai, Van Duc, Cong Phuong, Trong Hoang and Tien Dung, who impressed you the most?

Among the 5 Nghe An players competing at the AFF Cup 2018, former goalkeeper Duong Hong Son was the most impressive.Van Duc. Photo archive

Of course it is Van Duc. Not only in the AFF Cup 2018, but in all recent tournaments, Van Duc has played very well. Although only 22 years old, Van Duc has shown maturity and experience in his playing style. It can be affirmed that the midfielder from Nghe An is the Vietnamese player who has matured the fastest in the past year. I believe that Van Duc will go even further in the near future and is completely capable of overcoming the shadow of Cong Vinh.

Thanks for this chat!