Analysis of the central midfield pair of the Vietnam national team

In 2019, people saw a dizzying change in the professional aspect of midfielder Tuan Anh. After the injury, the HAGL midfielder had a significant change in his ability to compete for the ball and escape pressing when playing in the central midfield position. Previously, to use Tuan Anh, the Korean coach had to use a muscular midfielder Duc Huy and Hung Dung to act as an interceptor.

Refreshing interception capabilities

From the second best midfielder position in V.League 2017, it seems that the Golden Ball 2019 will be difficult to escape from Hung Dung's hands. Photo: HNFC.

Many Southeast Asian opponents know this weakness of the Vietnamese team, so they arrange to surround and separate this midfielder from Tuan Anh, which reduces the HAGL midfielder's ability to counterattack. In many cases, even though he knows Tuan Anh is a player with long passes, Mr. Park is forced to sacrifice. He chooses a pair of midfielders who can perform both blocking and organizing attacks.

Returning to the national team in the match against host Thailand in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Tuan Anh showed a surprising ability to block. After more than 2 years of absence, this talented midfielder surprised fans with his defensive technique.

Number 14 of the Vietnamese team made it difficult for C. Songkrasin and S. Sarachat to organize attacks. The midfielder's sliding tackles and ball-taking moves made it impossible for the Thai players to control the ball in the midfield.

In the next 3 home matches against Malaysia, UAE, and Thailand, Tuan Anh and his teammates won 2. In the only draw with Thailand, the HAGL midfielder once again made the Thai attack powerless.

Free kick skills, pressure

To become a well-matched central midfielder pair for the Vietnam national team, while Tuan Anh focuses on improving his blocking ability, Hung Dung innovates his attacking moves. Photo: AT

Tuan Anh's partner, Do Hung Dung, also had a great 2019. It is true that the Hanoi team's player, along with Tuan Anh, is the soul of the Vietnamese team's midfield, becoming an extremely important player in coach Park Hang-seo's tactical system. In 2019, captain Hung Dung and the Vietnamese team reached the Asian Cup Quarterfinals and won the SEA Games with the U22 team.

Live Sport Asia newspaper affirmed: "The past two years can be considered the most memorable period in Do Hung Dung's career. The midfielder of Hanoi national team was called up to the Vietnam national team for the first time under coach Park Hang-seo. Not only that, he also won the AFF Cup 2018 and SEA Games 30 with the golden stars."

Unlike Van Quyet and Quang Hai, stability and diligence are the most important factors that help Hung Dung gain a foothold in the capital team and achieve success as at present. In Hanoi, whether playing as a central midfielder or right winger, Hung Dung has always demonstrated his professional ability.

"Many people may be surprised by the transfer fee of 750,000 USD that Muang Thong United paid to Hanoi FC for Hung Dung, but that number is commensurate with the talent of this player. From a person no one knows, Do Hung Dung has become an indispensable player of the Vietnam National Team. He can be considered a shining example for young players to follow," Live Sport Asia affirmed.

To become a well-matched central midfielder pair for the Vietnam team, Tuan Anh must improve his blocking ability while Hung Dung must renew his attacking moves.

Currently, Hung Dung's ability to put pressure and take set pieces has increased significantly. At SEA Games 30, whether U22 Vietnam played with a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation, Hung Dung was always the player who adapted to Mr. Park's requirements. In addition, when replacing Quang Hai as captain of U22 Vietnam, this midfielder showed his ability to motivate his teammates very well. At SEA Games 30, although he lost twice, Hung Dung played resiliently, urging his teammates not to give up.

From the second best midfielder position in V.League 2017, it seems that the Golden Ball 2019 will be difficult to escape from Hung Dung's hands. Experts believe that, along with Que Ngoc Hai and Van Hau, the duo Hung Dung and Tuan Anh will be the pillars in Mr. Park's tactical scheme in the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.