HAGL vs. SLNA: Who is the best "orchestrator"?

In recent years, Luong Xuan Truong has been an irreplaceable player for the national team at all levels. The only player who could compete with Xuan Truong was his teammate Tuan Anh, who suffered a long-term injury. Therefore, in both the U23 and senior national teams, before a match, the only question people asked was: Who will partner with Xuan Truong in central midfield for this game?

Meanwhile, for the past two years, midfielder Khắc Ngọc has been a regular starter for SLNA, except when suspended or injured.

Compete

2017 marked a turning point for Khắc Ngọc, the number 12 central midfielder of SLNA. This is because, until the 2016 season, the midfielder born in 1992 was still just a "gem in the rough." It wasn't until Hoàng Thịnh and Quang Tình left their hometown team that coach Ngô Quang Trường gave Khắc Ngọc regular starting opportunities.

Coach Park believes that Khac Ngoc is an intelligent central midfielder who likes to control the tempo and is strong in long passes that change the direction of attack. Photo: Duc Anh

Despite his physical and athletic disadvantages, Khac Ngoc compensates with excellent technique, especially his use of both feet. His ability to control the tempo and initiate attacks into open spaces is very suitable for fast forwards.

When coach Nguyen Duc Thang took over the team in V.League 2017, Khac Ngoc was an indispensable player in the club's core lineup. This was the season in which the player made remarkable progress, leading to his call-up to the national team by coach Park.

The midfielder wearing number 12 scored 3 goals and provided 6 assists. According to the scoring system...InStatKhac Ngoc was named the best player in V.League 2017.

When asked about the reason for selecting this player from Nghe An province for the national team, the South Korean coach said: Khac Ngoc is an intelligent central midfielder who likes to control the tempo and is strong in long passes that change the direction of attack. This midfielder passes the ball in a variety of ways, intelligently, but his best are his passes that change the direction of attack. He also shoots well from long range, but has limitations in terms of stamina and tackling ability. Coach Park briefly described Khac Ngoc's playing style in this way.

Among the three other central midfielders called up by coach Park Hang-seo, Khắc Ngọc's competitor is likely also a player from HAGL. Simply put, both Khắc Ngọc and Xuân Trường have similar playing styles, making it difficult to pair them as central midfielders simultaneously. Therefore, whoever shines more in the V-League this season will have a greater chance of starting.

A battle on the field?

Returning from South Korea, Xuan Truong was given the captain's armband and played 700 out of 720 minutes in the 2018 V-League, proving the important role of this player from Tuyen Quang. In fact, Xuan Truong scored 5 goals, including 3 in the V-League, and became a crucial player in controlling the tempo of HAGL's game.

Of the three goals scored by this talented number 6 in the V-League, two are textbook examples of footballing talent. However, Xuan Truong's defensive contributions are problematic; when there isn't enough attacking pressure, HAGL is vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Playing in the central midfield position, Xuan Truong has scored 3 more goals than Khac Ngoc, while the playmaker from Nghe An also has 3 more assists than the player from Tuyen Quang. Photo: Internet

Meanwhile, at SLNA, Khắc Ngọc's role is becoming increasingly prominent. People have seen his assists with well-placed long passes to Văn Đức and Tuấn Tài.

In the match against Ho Chi Minh City FC, Khac Ngoc made a superb outside-of-the-foot pass from the left wing to set up Tuan Tai for a goal. Compared to last season, Khac Ngoc's lofted passes and free kicks have more curl and a better mid-air pause, allowing his teammates to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Compared to Xuan Truong, Khac Ngoc has been relieved of some defensive duties as Olaha frequently plays deeper, and Vo Ngoc Toan has returned from injury. Xuan Truong has scored 3 more goals than Khac Ngoc, while the playmaker from Nghe An also has 3 more assists than the player from Tuyen Quang.

When both teams need points, whoever demonstrates leadership in creating chances or scoring goals in a direct confrontation at Pleiku Stadium will earn points in Coach Park's eyes. Interestingly, both players lean towards a beautiful, technical style of play. Which would you support, number 6 Xuan Truong or number 12 Khac Ngoc?