Dinh Bao is desperate for a goal.

(Baonghean) - In youth tournaments, Dinh Bao has always been a "nemesis" for opposing defenders. For many years, this player from Thanh Chuong has been the "Top Scorer" and "Best Player" in the national U.17, U.19, and U.21 leagues. Fans call Dinh Bao the "King of Youth Tournaments". However, in the V.League, after two seasons, this striker is still diligently searching for goals...

Not long after his senior teammate Dinh Dong's wedding, on March 26th, Dinh Bao, nicknamed the "King of Youth Leagues," also took advantage of the V.League break to tie the knot. At just 24 years old, Dinh Bao's marriage surprised many. However, considering his career and the need to make a breakthrough, his early decision to get married is not without justifiable reasons.

Player Dinh Bao (11). Photo: Duc Dung

Speaking of youth tournaments, Dinh Bao remains a very "hot" name and deserves all the praise he receives. There was even a time when, at the Nghe An team, he was nicknamed "King of Youth Tournaments." However, unlike the "fickleness" of his nineteen or twenty years, Bao is now 24, and if he doesn't want his future prospects to be limited, he must know how to "revolutionize."

Recalling the 2008 National U17 Championship, Dinh Bao was a name that made a huge impression on fans nationwide. His skillful dribbling and 8 classy goals earned him a double award: "Best Player" and "Top Scorer". He stood out from a very young age, and many believed he would follow in the footsteps of his predecessors Van Quyen and Cong Vinh. In fact, he was quite prominent later on, playing for the Vietnam U19 and U20 teams. However, when it came time for a career-defining milestone, Dinh Bao failed to deliver.

In 2011 and 2012, Dinh Bao was on the list of players to be added to the first team, but after a period of "trial," Bao did not meet the requirements and the SLNA coaching staff did not register him to play. At the 2013 Thanh Nien Newspaper International U.21 Tournament, Bao left behind two completely contrasting images: a reckless tackle that resulted in a red card and the only goal for Vietnam U.21 in the final match. It is said that Bao has good skills but lacks professionalism in competition and conduct, leading to these contrasting images.

In the 2014 season, Dinh Bao's dream of being named in the first team came true. While his efforts played a part, the main reason was that SLNA, facing a squad crisis, had to keep Dinh Bao on the team as a precaution. And as predicted, the team's squad was depleted in the 2014 season, and the foreign players didn't perform as expected, giving Bao the opportunity. However, despite playing in many matches, Dinh Bao still couldn't make much of an impact. Throughout the 2014 season, he didn't score a single goal and was a major disappointment to SLNA fans.

By the 2015 season, with the goal of rejuvenating the team, SLNA promoted many young players, and players like Dinh Bao are now considered key players. However, in his role as a senior player, this striker from Thanh Chuong still hasn't lived up to his potential. After 10 rounds of the V.League 2015, while newcomers like Phuc Tinh and Tuan Tai have already scored, Dinh Bao is still struggling to find his first goal in Vietnam's top football league.

In the match against HA.GL in the 9th round, Dinh Bao came on as a substitute for Tuan Tai when the game was already decided (SLNA was leading 2-0). At this point, the players of Chairman Duc's team had almost given up, and the Nghe An team was free to attack. In the 88th minute, Quang Tinh made a perfect pass, putting Dinh Bao in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Minh Nhut. The distance was only 2-3 meters and the goal was wide open, but Dinh Bao's shot failed to beat the HA.GL goalkeeper. After the match, Dinh Bao shared with the writer: "I don't understand why, when the opposing goalkeeper was already helpless, my shot still didn't go in. A goal at that moment would have been very important to me; it would have relieved a lot of pressure."

Getting married to find motivation and hope for a turning point has led many to jokingly say that Dinh Bao married to ward off bad luck in his career. Who knows, with someone always by his side to care for and encourage him, Dinh Bao might "transform" and return to his former "killer" instincts. Now, with SLNA prioritizing an all-Vietnamese squad and Tuan Tai and Phuc Tinh still needing time to truly mature, Dinh Bao still has a chance.

Vinh Liem