Promising talents of SLNA for the 2016 season.

(Baonghean.vn) - A disappointing season for coach Ngo Quang Truong and his team has ended. However, this does not mean that the Nghe An team lacks young players who have left a strong impression...

Hoang Van Khanh

Van Khanh was the most reliable player in SLNA's defense during the 2016 season.

At the age of 21, few players in the V.League have played in 22 out of 26 matches like Hoang Van Khanh. In those 22 appearances, the center-back from Tan Ky was the most consistent performer compared to other defenders such as Que Ngoc Hai, Tran Dinh Hoang, Vo Ngoc Duc, and Pham Manh Hung. Hoang Van Khanh was still highly regarded by the coaching staff and fans last season for his aggressive, mature, and calm playing style. More importantly, he made the fewest mistakes whenever coach Ngo Quang Truong trusted him.

Pham Xuan Manh

Xuan Manh (37) is a versatile player and plays quite solidly.

The player, still part of the SLNA U.21 squad for the upcoming finals, only played 15 matches last season. However, Xuan Manh's impact was his versatility, solid performance in every game, and excellent physical condition. The midfielder from Yen Thanh can play in three positions: forward, midfielder, and full-back. Xuan Manh's presence has given the SLNA coaching staff more options whenever Dinh Hoang, Sy Sam, and The Nhat are unavailable.

Vo Ngoc Duc

Vo Ngoc Duc (left) is coach Ngo Quang Truong's first choice for the left-back position.

The 2016 season was truly a difficult one for this left-back. While in the 2015 season, Ngoc Duc surpassed Dinh Dong to gain the trust of the SLNA coaching staff and played impressively and consistently, this year, fans felt a great deal of regret for him. Ngoc Duc's inconsistent performance in the first half of the season was due to persistent injuries. However, in the second half, especially in the final matches, the midfielder born in 1994 gradually regained his usual reliability and passion on the left flank. This was also the season in which Ngoc Duc played the most games in the last three years, with 18 appearances, 17 of which were starts.

Ho Khac Ngoc

Midfielder Ho Khac Ngoc has the same number of assists as star player Tran Phi Son.

At the beginning of this season, with the departures of Hoang Thinh and Quang Tinh, SLNA's midfield became more vulnerable than ever. During the first half of the season, due to a lack of consistency and a defensive midfielder, Khac Ngoc was unable to perform well in his role as a playmaker. However, in the second half, the midfielder, who had previously dominated the Nghe An Newspaper Cup youth football tournament while playing for Vinh City, has gradually shown improvement and confidence in his passing and ball handling in the midfield.

With his talent, Khac Ngoc will certainly go far if he gets regular playing time. The midfielder, born in 1992, has played 22 matches and scored 2 goals. However, the number of assists Khac Ngoc has is on par with Tran Phi Son.

Trung Kien