If Nguyen Manh leaves, will SLNA fall into a crisis in the goalkeeper position?

Nguyen Manh's talent is beyond dispute. It is not an exaggeration to say that the goalkeeper born in 1991 is one of the best goalkeepers of SLNA ever. In this season, although he has just returned after a long time of injury, Nguyen Manh still proves his inherent class.

In V.League 2019, the 28-year-old goalkeeper played 23 matches and kept a clean sheet in 11 matches, accounting for nearly half of the matches. The achievement of conceding the fewest goals of SLNA (26 goals) was greatly contributed by Nguyen Manh. With his excellent performances, the goalkeeper from Do Luong was not only called up to the Vietnam National Team by Coach Park Hang-seo, but was also selected by VPF to be in the typical squad of V.League 2019. These are worthy rewards for the efforts of the SLNA Captain.

Nguyen Manh is on his way out of Vinh Stadium. Photo: VPF

Saying this helps to see more clearly the talent and importance of Nguyen Manh to the Vinh home team. Therefore, in case Nguyen Manh cannot be kept, the gap in SLNA's goal will be an extremely difficult problem for coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his colleagues.

There are two options for the Nghe An team to choose from: First, is to put their trust in Van Hung, Van Tien and Van Cuong. Second, is to recruit goalkeepers from other teams, like with Quoc Trung (Nam Dinh), Van Hanh (Phu Yen), Quoc Cuong (Ninh Binh) or Vu Hai (Hai Phong) in the past.

Based on the current situation, SLNA does not necessarily have to choose the second option - recruiting a goalkeeper. Objectively, Van Hung, Van Tien and Van Cuong are all talented goalkeepers. What they lack is playing experience. This is understandable, because competing for a position with Nguyen Manh is not an easy task.

Goalkeeper Van Hung has recovered from injury. Photo: Trung Kien

Don’t forget that in the past, Van Hung won the title of “best goalkeeper” at the 2009 National U17 Finals and was the number 1 goalkeeper of U21 SLNA at the 2014 National U21 Finals. Unfortunately, injuries and the excellence of his senior Nguyen Manh are the reasons why the 1992-born goalkeeper has often “disappeared” in recent seasons. However, in the rare times he was able to put on his gloves and enter the field, Van Hung has still somewhat proven his talent.

Next to Van Hung is Van Tien. The goalkeeper born in 1994 was the main goalkeeper for SLNA in all 3 matches at V.League 2019, when Nguyen Manh was injured. What Van Tien did in the 3 matches against B.Binh Duong (2-1), Than Quang Ninh (0-0) and Quang Nam (2-2) is very encouraging.

If trusted and given the opportunity, Van Hung, Van Tien and Van Cuong can completely take over the position left by Nguyen Manh. It all depends on their efforts, their performances in the coming time and the final decision of SLNA's Board of Directors.