The concerns of Song Lam Nghe An after the first match.
A draw is somewhat acceptable for the Nghe An team, but there are still many concerns, especially since the V.League has only just completed its first round.
The defense is full of holes again.
It seemed like the new seasonNghe An teamThe team will see the return of key defenders such as Ho Khac Luong, Tran Dinh Hoang, and Tran Nam Hai. However, in the very first round, coach Pham Anh Tuan had to deploy midfielder Nguyen Xuan Binh in the center-back position. Fortunately, the player wearing number 22 performed excellently, working alongside Vuong Van Huy to create a solid defense on the right flank. Along with that, the clear progress of young defender Bui Thanh Duc has also provided some reassurance on the left flank.
However, foreign player Sebastian Zaracho's red card has put Song Lam Nghe An's defense in a precarious situation. In the next match, if key players don't recover in time, young center-back Phan Van Thanh will be the chosen replacement.
This 18-year-old player has an ideal height (1.83m), but his lack of match experience is a major concern. The recent match against SHB Da Nang was Phan Van Thanh's first game in the V.League. Therefore, it would be very worrying if Phan Van Thanh had to face the attacking stars of Hoang Anh Gia Lai in the upcoming match.
Because in the opening match, coach Vu Tien Thanh's team secured a resounding 4-0 victory. Players like Chau Ngoc Quang, Da Silva Marciel, and Jeferson Elias all delivered outstanding performances.
Besides,Hoang Anh Gia LaiUnder coach Vu Tien Thanh, the team is very dangerous in set-piece situations. Therefore, Sebastian Zaracho's absence will make the Nghe An team's defense even more vulnerable.
Perhaps now, fans in Nghe An can only hope that the key players in the defense will recover soon, thereby having a deeper squad for the upcoming matches.
The midfield lacks depth.
Injury problems have also left Song Lam Nghe An's midfield short of options. Most notably, midfielder Phan Ba Quyen is absent. This midfielder, born in 2002, is like N'Golo Kanté of the Nghe An team. Therefore, it will be very difficult to fill the position and role that Phan Ba Quyen has left behind.
The reliance on young midfielder Nguyen Quang Vinh created difficulties for Song Lam Nghe An. Most of Song Lam Nghe An's attacking moves in the recent match went through this number 16 player. However, without the support of his teammates, Nguyen Quang Vinh could only perform adequately.
Nguyen Quang Vinh cannot be blamed, because this young player is only 19 years old, an age where he needs to refine his skills and accumulate more playing experience. Therefore, it is necessary to find someone to share the workload, sometimes even replace him, to create new elements in the playing style and avoid overloading Nguyen Quang Vinh.
However, this will be a difficult challenge for the coaching staff of the Nghe An team. Because, in their squad...Lam River, Nghe AnThere aren't many options for playing in the playmaking midfield position. Perhaps the only hope lies in Dinh Xuan Tien regaining his form or the remarkable progress of Nguyen Trong Tuan, who also made his debut in the recent match.
Hopefully, coach Pham Anh Tuan and his colleagues will come up with viable strategies to help Song Lam Nghe An gain an advantage in the upcoming matches.
The attacking line needs adjustments.
The attacking line is the most reliable area for the Nghe An team. New signing Benjamin Kuku also showed his qualities in the opening match. Meanwhile, Michael Olaha continues to play diligently and energetically.
However, adjustments are needed in Song Lam Nghe An's attack. Michael Olaha and Benjamin Kuku playing too far apart prevents the necessary connection between them. Therefore, in upcoming matches, the Nigerian strikers need to maintain a reasonable distance from each other. This would allow Benjamin Kuku to be the one to deliver the passes and Michael Olaha to be the one to finish, securing goals for the team.
In addition, the option of using a pair of domestic players to play on both wings should also be considered. In the recent match, Le Dinh Long Vu almost made a difference after being brought on. If this option proves effective, Michael Olaha could be moved deeper to support the midfield.
It can be said that the difficulties faced by Song Lam Nghe An in rejuvenating their squad were anticipated. Therefore, it is crucial for head coach Pham Anh Tuan to make appropriate adjustments so that the team from Nghe An can maximize its existing strengths.
