Goalkeeper Nguyen Manh's journey to find himself

(Baonghean.vn) - Along with Phi Son, Nguyen Manh is the player with the best form in SLNA, bringing hope of extending the winning streak for the Nghe An team.

Goalkeeper Nguyen Manh. Photo: Internet

Up to now, Nguyen Manh, Phi Son and Olaha are the players who have played in all the 2017 V-League matches. After 21 rounds, goalkeeper Nguyen Manh has had to pick the ball out of the net 28 times - the reason is said to be the reason why the Nghe An goalkeeper missed his appointment with the national team's goal.

But to be fair, since round 18 until now, along with the change in the team's playing style, goalkeeper Nguyen Manh has been much more solid. If he keeps a clean sheet in the upcoming match against Hai Phong at Vinh Stadium, the SLNA captain will officially join Nguyen Tuan Manh (Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN), Tong Duc An (Sai ​​Gon FC), Bui Tan Truong (Becamex Binh Duong) in having 5 matches without having to pick the ball out of the net.

Early season story

Leading the race for the (unofficial) title of Goalkeeper with the most clean sheets is Nguyen Thanh Thang (FLC Thanh Hoa) with 8 clean sheets, followed by Huynh Tuan Linh (Than Quang Ninh) with 7 clean sheets. Colleagues Nguyen Tuan Manh (Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN), Tong Duc An (Sai ​​Gon FC), Bui Tan Truong (Becamex Binh Duong) all have 5 clean sheets.

And the fact that Tuan Linh and Tuan Manh were called up to the national team is not a surprise, they are the goalkeepers with the best form on the Vietnamese football field at the moment. Compared to his colleagues, Nguyen Manh's job is more difficult when SLNA uses domestic defenders, the ability to defend against high balls is somewhat limited.

Goalkeeper Nguyen Manh and SLNA players are thriving in the V-League. Photo: Dung Nguyen

At the beginning of the season, SLNA's midfield could not control the ball, so the opponent constantly pressed the defense. Goalkeeper Nguyen Manh and the defenders had to constantly fend off high-frequency attacks, so their physical strength decreased at the end of the match and they often conceded goals in extra time.

As an experienced goalkeeper, guarded by high-class central defenders such as Ngoc Hai, Van Khanh or Minh Duc, Nguyen Manh was often at a disadvantage when facing big, strong foreign players. Coaches all instructed the midfielder to continuously cross the ball into the 16.5m area of ​​the Nghe An team, waiting for individual mistakes.

According to statistics, up to 30% of the goals conceded by goalkeeper Nguyen Manh were from high balls. There were quite a few silly goals conceded, because Nguyen Manh was the captain, played in the goalkeeper position but did not shout or direct the defense, simply because of this goalkeeper's rather gentle personality.

Journey to find yourself

After more than half a season, SLNA's coaching staff has found a suitable playing style for the team and together with his teammates, goalkeeper Nguyen Manh has found himself again. The framework of Van Khanh, Ngoc Hai and 2 wings Manh Hung, Xuan Manh, above is the "shield" Khac Ngoc and the mobility of Olaha has created a different SLNA.

If he continues to maintain his form, Nguyen Manh will soon return to the national team. Photo: Dung Nguyen

In goal, Nguyen Manh also regained his inherent confidence. He rushed out decisively when facing tall foreign players from SHB.Da Nang, B.Binh Duong, Saigon... The midfield held the ball and passed accurately, reducing the pressure on SLNA's defense.

Many times, goalkeeper Nguyen Manh won in confrontations with tall foreign players such as Do Merlo, Gramoz (SHB.Da Nang), Pereira Diogo Junior, Dinh Hoang Max (B.Binh Duong), Marcelo, Patrick (Sai ​​Gon)...

Nguyen Manh also had some brilliant moments, such as recently when he jumped to his full extent to block Chau Ngoc Quang's skillful shot on Pleiku field. In addition to defending his goal well in 4 consecutive matches, this goalkeeper also organized the attack very well, contributing to 3 wins and 1 draw, bringing SLNA to 9th place in the rankings.

Currently, Nguyen Manh and Phi Son are the two players with the best form in SLNA and the Nghe An team can completely extend their winning streak. Hopefully, Nguyen Manh's achievements and form will continue and the path back to the national team will be open for this talented goalkeeper.

An Thanh