Pham Xuan Manh returns, is SLNA more "powerful" than before?

Since the beginning of the season until now,Pham Xuan ManhThere has not been an official match forSLNAFor more than half a year, the player from Yen Thanh has only been hanging around the SLNA training room and the treatment room of the PVF Center (Hung Yen).

Along with the absence of Pham Xuan Manh, the performance of the Nghe An team has also gradually declined, especially recently. Of course, the main reason is not because SLNA does not have the service of Pham Xuan Manh.

Pham Xuan Manh scored many times for SLNA. Photo courtesy of Huu Thanh

Currently, after 11 rounds, the teacher and studentsCoach Ngo Quang Truongis currently languishing in 11th place on theV.League 2020 rankingsThe risk of having to compete in the play-off round for the bottom 6 teams in the rankings is gradually becoming a reality for the Vinh home team.

In the near future, SLNA still has 2 more matches to change the situation. If they can get maximum points in the 2 matches with HAGL and Hai Phong, the opportunityentered the TOP 8of SLNA will be clearer. Therefore, SLNA needs the return of its pillars, typically Pham Xuan Manh.

The talent of the player born in 1996 is unquestionable. In addition, the fact that Pham Xuan Manh can play well in many positions (fullback, winger, central midfielder...) will help coach Ngo Quang Truong in the matter of arrangement, personnel, and formation for each match, against different opponents.

Pham Xuan Manh has completely recovered from his injury. Photo courtesy of Xuan Thuy

Observing SLNA’s training sessions right before the match with HAGL, Pham Xuan Manh was used by coach Ngo Quang Truong in the right-back position, the 24-year-old’s familiar position at SLNA and the national teams. Thus, the player wearing the number 7 shirt will play close behind Ho Tuan Tai/Tran Dinh Tien.

With this arrangement, the SLNA coaching staff is hoping that Pham Xuan Manh will be able to fully develop his abilities as a full-back, both attacking and defending. Manh "Kalou" is a player with a strong physical foundation, a tenacious playing style, fast wing-climbing moves and precise passes to create opportunities for his teammates.

In addition, Pham Xuan Manh is also very dangerous in finishing. Not only is he good at shooting with both his right and left feet, the player from Yen Thanh is also quite good in aerial combat, despite being only 1m73 tall. With Pham Xuan Manh, SLNA's attack front seems to have an additional "killer".

That does not mean that Pham Xuan Manh's return will only bring positive things to SLNA. The rest period of more than half a year will significantly affect the ball feeling of the former U23 Vietnam defender. Let's wait and see, will Pham Xuan Manh's return make SLNA more formidable than before?