Duong Hong Son has descendants in Song Lam Nghe An

(Baonghean.vn) - Not only playing in the same goalkeeper position, Duong Van Cuong's playing style and appearance are quite similar to his senior Duong Hong Son.

To become one of the best goalkeepers in Vietnamese football, Duong Hong Son had to go through a difficult and arduous journey. The first obstacle for the goalkeeper from Quynh Luu was his rather modest physique. Many times in the U SLNA teams, Duong Hong Son faced the risk of having to play in other positions, or even having to say goodbye to his football dream early because of his "short and light" physique.

Goalkeeper Duong Hong Son in the Vietnam national team jersey. Photo: Internet.

In a conversation with coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh, Nguyen Hong Thanh said: "Small goalkeepers, if they practice hard, are confident and have talent, can still become good goalkeepers." From the opinion of "Khong Minh of Nghe An", Mr. Nguyen Thanh Vinh continued to trust Duong Hong Son for the position of goalkeeper. The final result is clear to everyone, Duong Hong Son has become one of the best goalkeepers of Vietnamese football. The title of "best player of AFF Cup 2008" is clear proof.

Back to the current goalkeeper Duong Van Cuong of U19 SLNA. Although he only has a modest height of 1m72, in return, the goalkeeper born in 1999 has flexible reflexes and an impressive jumping ability. Every time the opponents compete with U19 SLNA, they do not hide their intention to play high balls to exploit Duong Van Cuong's physical weakness. But that calculation cannot be effective because of the excellence of the goalkeeper from Yen Thanh, every ball is either bounced off or falls into Duong Van Cuong's hands.

Fully aware of his height disadvantage, goalkeeper Duong Van Cuong had to find a way to overcome that shortcoming by being able to predict where the ball would land and when to jump accurately in aerial situations. Thanks to his good tactical thinking and stable mentality, Duong Van Cuong has become a reliable stopper in front of his team's goal. His performance in the victory of U19 SLNA over U19 S. Khanh Hoa (2-1) at Quy Nhon Stadium is a typical example of Duong Van Cuong's excellence.

Famous goalkeeper Jorge Campos (Mexico) once responded to public opinion with a classic saying: “Who says small goalkeepers can’t be good goalkeepers? I’m also short, but short people often have flexible reflexes, and flexibility is a very important quality for goalkeepers.” Jorge Campos’ statement is quite accurate in the case of Duong Van Cuong. Not having a massive body like most players in the same position, Duong Van Cuong is excellent in every move.

Duong Van Cuong was disappointed when U19 SLNA had to stop at the group stage of the 2017 National U19 Finals. Photo: Internet.

Like his predecessor Duong Hong Son, the goalkeeper born in 1999 possesses the ability to use both feet quite skillfully. Every time the home team attacks, Duong Van Cuong often moves up to take on the role of a libero. The quick runs beyond the home team's 16m50 area to clear the ball have become a familiar image in every match of U19 SLNA in recent years. This is a very important quality of modern goalkeepers. Specifically, as soon as he took over MC, coach Pep Guardiola eliminated veteran goalkeeper Joe Hart because of his poor footwork.

It can be seen that, in addition to the disadvantage of height, Duong Van Cuong possesses the qualities that an excellent goalkeeper must have. It is not without reason that the National U19 Finals Organizing Committee voted Duong Van Cuong to win the title of "best goalkeeper" of the tournament, even though U19 SLNA had to stop right at the group stage. In the history of Vietnamese football, especially youth tournaments, no player has ever won such an honor when his home team was eliminated early. Duong Van Cuong's case is "unique".

The title of “best goalkeeper” at the National U19 Finals and being called up to the Vietnam U19 team is a worthy reward for Duong Van Cuong’s tireless efforts over the past long period. Before leaving for Nha Trang to join the Vietnam U19 team, Duong Van Cuong shared: “My biggest dream is to wear the SLNA shirt to compete in the V. League!”.

Hopefully, this player's dream will quickly come true in the near future. For now, calling the goalkeeper born in 1999 "Duong Hong Son the second" is certainly not an exaggeration.

Thanh Hung