SLNA foreign player: Why not Ideguchi?

(Baonghean.vn) - According to information, up to this point, the Nghe An team has not yet tried out any foreign players to fill the void left by Henry.

Why didn't SLNA's coaching staff reserve that spot for midfielder Ideguchi, the player who just left HAGL?

Moving to the Pleiku mountain town team since the 2016 season, the Japanese player has left a clear mark in the eyes of experts, colleagues and HAGL fans. Playing in the lowest position in midfield, Ideguchi has always demonstrated the qualities of a player from the continent's top football background.

Although he does not possess the superior physical strength and physique of other 'Westerners', Ideguchi in return inherits the intelligence and diligence that are typical of players in the 'land of the rising sun'.

After parting ways with HAGL, Ideguchi has yet to find a new destination. Photo: Internet.

In the last 3 seasons, Mr. Duc has decided to let HAGL make full use of the talents trained by the HAGL – JMG academy. Having to play alongside inexperienced players, Ideguchi’s task is extremely heavy. Observing HAGL over the past 2 years, the Japanese midfielder not only takes on the role of blocking from afar, recovering the ball but also supporting his teammates on the offensive front, Ideguchi’s shadow can be seen.

Statistics show that after the first leg of V. League 2017, the 28-year-old player played a total of 10 matches and scored 1 goal for HAGL.

However, due to the fact that the defenders of the mountain town team played so disappointingly, HAGL's coaching board had to grit their teeth and 'cut' Ideguchi to bring in another foreign central defender to strengthen the team's defense. Unable to stay at Pleiku Stadium, the Japanese player still expressed his desire to continue playing in the highest tournament of Vietnamese football.

However, up to this point, Ideguchi's wishes have not received any offers from teams in the V. League.

In addition to affirming his expertise, professional style, and understanding of Vietnam's top tournaments, Ideguchi is also interested because his salary requirement is not too high (about 3000 USD).

If SLNA's coaching staff seriously wants to strengthen the team, then the name Ideguchi is a pretty good option. V. League 2017 has passed the halfway point, besides the worries in the attack, the 'anchor' position is also making the Vinh team 'distorted'.

Midfielders Ngoc Toan and Sy Sam often suffered from various injuries, and the burden had to be placed on veteran Van Vinh. The lack of stability in the lowest midfield position forced coach Nguyen Duc Thang to instruct foreign player Olaha to play as a midfielder, which inadvertently affected the Nigerian striker's ability to score.

If SLNA owns Ideguchi, striker Tuan Tai's chances of playing will be brighter. Photo: Document

Besides, "conductor" Khac Ngoc also had to divide his strength for the defensive task, when his partner could not handle it. Not being able to freely focus on the offensive front, Khac Ngoc played bad matches, good matches because his physical strength was worn out.

Obviously, along with the problem of the attack, the problem of liberating Khac Ngoc also needs the SLNA coaching board to find an answer. With Ideguchi, the strength of the Nghe An team's midfield will be significantly improved. At that time, striker Olaha will be returned to his usual position and play alongside a potential domestic striker among the names Tuan Tai, Viet Nguyen, Phuc Tinh.

Who knows, maybe playing higher up the pitch will help Olaha become a true assassin. Having to take on too many roles (defending, supporting the attack and scoring goals) has caused the striker born in 1997 to lose his scoring instinct.

Therefore, if SLNA recruits Ideguchi, it will solve many problems in the team. Otherwise, the Vinh team will "throw money out the window" with players whose skills have not been thoroughly tested.

Of course, the decision belongs to coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his colleagues, who to buy and in what position must be carefully studied. But ignoring Ideguchi is really a pity.

Thanh Hung