SLNA defender Nguyen Sy Nam: Results from relentless efforts

Similar to the match against Saigon, the English player Son continued to be trusted by coach Ngo Quang Truong to take on the right-back position in the match against Nguyen Tien Linh and his teammates in round 2 of V.League 2020. This is a reward for Nguyen Sy Nam's efforts over the past time, especially after his impressive performance at Thong Nhat Stadium on March 8.

The task for the defender born in 1993 in the match against B.Binh Duong is extremely heavy. The team of the land of Thu possesses many quality faces playing on the left wing (in the attacking direction of B.Binh Duong), typically Nguyen Thanh Thao and foreign player Youssouf Toure, the player often moves to the left wing to receive the ball and carry out quick attacks or counter-attacks.

Nguyen Sy Nam (yellow shirt) in the match against Saigon. Photo: Nguyet Ha

However, with the excellence of Nguyen Sy Nam, the attacks on the left wing of the away team were constantly "broken". Therefore, from the beginning of the second half onwards, B.Binh Duong focused on passing the ball to right winger To Van Vu, to continue looking for opportunities to threaten the goal of goalkeeper Nguyen Van Hoang. Obviously, the player wearing the number 21 shirt of the home team did a good job of being a full-back.

Not only did he excel in his defensive duties, Nguyen Sy Nam also left his mark in his attacking situations. The precise free kick that helped Phan Van Duc head the ball into the net against B.Binh Duong (minute 48) was a typical example. With this assist, the English player Son had his first assist in the V.League, playing for SLNA.

It is worth mentioning that at the present time, Nguyen Sy Nam is the face chosen by coach Ngo Quang Truong to take the free kicks of the home team. Most of the corner kicks, direct free kicks on the right wing and on the opponent's field, are usually taken by this 27-year-old defender. Don't forget, the header over the crossbar of center back Gustavo Santos in the match against Saigon (minute 28) also came from a free kick of Nguyen Sy Nam.

Phan Van Duc's (left) goal was largely thanks to his teammate wearing shirt number 21. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Witnessing what Nguyen Sy Nam has done in the last 2 matches of SLNA, Nghe An football fans have somewhat felt more secure after the departure of Tran Dinh Hoang and the absence of Pham Xuan Manh (injured). With his tireless efforts, the former defender of Ho Chi Minh City has gradually won the trust of coach Ngo Quang Truong.

That does not mean that Nguyen Sy Nam's playing style no longer has certain limitations. Objectively, the effectiveness of the Anh Son defender's attacks has not yet met the expectations of experts and Nghe An football fans, especially in the situations of crossing the ball inside. To keep his starting position as SLNA's right-back, Nguyen Sy Nam must quickly overcome the aforementioned weakness.

Leaving behind the time of living as a “redundant” player, the player born in 1993 is experiencing beautiful days in his “shorts and shirt” career. Hopefully, Nguyen Sy Nam will play even better to contribute to helping SLNA reap success in the near future.