Let Phi Son be on the bench!

(Baonghean.vn) - In the B.Binh Duong - SLNA match in round 19 on September 22nd, Phi Son had to play with a limp due to dangerous fouls from the home team's players. It's time for the SLNA coaching staff to let Phi Son rest after a period of continuous playing.

To date, Phi Son, along with captain Nguyen Manh and foreign player Olaha, has played in all of SLNA's V.League 2017 matches. After 19 matches in the V.League 2017 for the Nghe An team, Phi Son has played 1,699 minutes, second only to goalkeeper Nguyen Manh, who has played 1,710 minutes.

Phi Son's contributions cannot be measured by the number of goals he has scored or the number of assists he has provided to his teammates. Furthermore, the player wearing the number 10 jersey is the driving force, the inspiration, and the dangerous attacking spearhead of the Vinh-based team.

Although SLNA is having a rather poor season, objectively speaking, Phi Son is the best player on the team. In fact, many fans from Nghe An province assert that without Phi Son, SLNA's position in the relegation battle would be far from secure.

This shows that the midfielder wearing the number 10 jersey is an irreplaceable pillar of SLNA this season. Just look at how opposing coaches have instructed their players to "neutralize" Phi Son in recent seasons to make it clear.

Phi Son (number 10) dribbles the ball skillfully during the B.Binh Duong - SLNA match (0 - 0). Photo: Tram Uyen

Knowing full well that the strength and danger of the Nghe An team's attack depend heavily on the talent of the player born in 1992, simply neutralizing Phi Son would make the opportunity to defeat the team led by coach Nguyen Duc Thang much clearer.

In theory, that's the case, but in reality, it's not that simple. With his skillful technique, rapid acceleration, and cunning touch, Phi Son often gets past opposing players quite easily.

There's a saying, "Every problem has a solution." If they can't neutralize Phi Son in one way, they'll try another. Therefore, whenever the midfielder from Ha Tinh has the ball, opposing defenders resort to dirty tactics and fouls to get out of the danger.

While there are no specific statistics, Phi Son is certainly one of the most fouled players in V.League 2017. This is hardly surprising, because the simplest way to contain a technically skilled, agile, and cunning player like Phi Son is to play rough and dirty.

Being a midfielder who isn't afraid of physical contact, Phi Son didn't flinch after each "blow" from opposing players. With the ball at his feet, the number 10 midfielder comfortably "flipped away," breaking through... amidst the encirclement of opposing players.

Therefore, Phi Son has repeatedly had to endure malicious tackles. In the last two matches against SHB Da Nang and B. Binh Duong, the 25-year-old midfielder showed signs of pain on several occasions after fouls from opposing defenders and had to receive medical attention.

"The Vietnamese Ronaldo" frequently has to endure aggressive tackles from opposing players. Photo: Tram Uyen

Typically, in the first half of the B.Binh Duong - SLNA match at Go Dau Stadium, Phi Son was knocked down at least twice by the duo Xuan Luan and Michal Nguyen of the home team.

Witnessing "Vietnam's Ronaldo" limping, experts and fans in Nghe An province couldn't help but feel sorry and worried. If this situation continues, injury is almost inevitable for Phi Son.

Human strength has its limits, and it's time for the 1992-born star to rest and fully treat his injuries, avoiding future consequences. The lesson from the injury of right-back Dinh Hoang remains relevant.

SLNA's coaching staff should be decisive and bench Phi Son in less important matches. The number 10 player's contract with SLNA expires in just a few months. It's uncertain whether Phi Son will continue at Vinh Stadium, but the immediate priority is to help this midfielder avoid unfortunate injuries.

Thanh Hung