Ho Khac Ngoc and the confrontation with the giant Goliath

Japanese midfielder Ryutaro Karube, 26 years old, is the new player of FLC Thanh Hoa this season. He was personally selected by coach Marian Mihail and recently, FLC Thanh Hoa "kept" this midfielder, not registering him to compete in the National Cup, further proving the importance of this midfielder to the path to conquering V-League.

Famous foreign player Edward Ofere was finally only registered in the National Cup despite his impressive record!

Goliath the Giant

Midfielder Ryutaro Karube. Photo: Internet

Last year, this midfielder played for Perseru Serui in Indonesia before moving to FLC Thanh Hoa, after 14 appearances, he scored 6 goals. Ryutaro grew up from the football movement at Meiji University. He played for Gifu FC in J.League for 2 years before moving to play for Perseru Serui.

This midfielder has exquisite ball handling skills, the ability to coordinate the midfield rhythmically, good support, good interception and gets extra points for enthusiasm.

A classy goal in the match between FLC Thanh Hoa and Bali United helped midfielder Ryutaro Karube enter the Top 4 nominations for the best goal of the third round of the 2018 AFC Cup group stage. Besides Ryutaro Karube, the three remaining players on this list are Maung Maung Lwin (Yangon United), Stefano Lilipaly (Bali United) and Mohammad Tannous (Al-Jazeera).

Japanese midfielder Ryutaro Karube was a rare bright spot for FLC Thanh Hoa during their away match at Bali United (Indonesia). Not only did he play energetically, Ryutaro Karube also demonstrated his classy free kick ability.

Starting from a foul by a Bali United defender on Trong Hoang right at the 16m50 line, the Japanese midfielder was given a chance and he did not miss it. Ryutaro Karube executed an exemplary free kick, opening the score of the match. Despite having the advantage, mistakes in the defense caused the Vietnamese representative to accept a reverse defeat.

Playing in the central midfield with Ryutaro Karube will be Hoang Thinh - a "familiar" to SLNA players and audiences. Compared to the central midfield pair of the away team, Khac Ngoc and most likely Sy Sam, the FLC players have much better physiques. With a height of 1.89m, the Japanese midfielder will have a huge advantage in competing for the ball in the air, while Hoang Thinh is a very aggressive player.

The duel between Ryutaro Karube - Khac Ngoc and Omar - Que Ngoc Hai is considered the "key" of the match. There is a slight disadvantage when Khac Ngoc and Ngoc Hai have just returned from the national team after 16 hours on a plane, so their physical strength will be affected.

Bright Spot

Khac Ngoc's crosses are also creative, surprising and have a higher damage. Photo: Internet

Khac Ngoc has just had a watchable debut in the national team. Compared to last season, Khac Ngoc's passes with landing points make it easier for his teammates, especially Van Duc, to control. Khac Ngoc's crosses are also more creative, surprising and have a higher damage rate.

The assist in the match against Than Quang Ninh at Vinh Stadium was highly appreciated by experts. There is a slight disadvantage when Ngoc Toan, the player who often plays alongside Khac Ngoc as a central midfielder, is having a relapse of injury.

Certainly, coach Marian Mihail and the FLC Thanh Hoa coaching staff will pay special attention to Khac Ngoc - who is considered the "conductor" of SLNA's midfield.

In history, the giant Goliath was shot in the forehead by the shepherd David with a slingshot. But on Thanh Hoa field, whether Khac Ngoc can escape the blockade of Ryutaro Karube or not, Nghe An audiences will have to wait and see!