"Groom" Trong Hoang plays defender?

Coach Park Hang-seo used one team in each half to test the game against Incheon United in preparation for the AFF Cup 2018. If in the first half, Coach Park played with a three-defender formation including Duy Manh, Dinh Trong, Ngoc Hai, in the second half he played with a four-defender formation including Xuan Hung, Thanh Hao, Viet Tu, Trong Hoang.

Player from Nghe An, Trong Hoang, was the only player in the first half lineup to be allowed to play after the break. In addition to professional reasons, Trong Hoang was unable to play in the second friendly match against FC Seoul due to his wedding, so Coach Park Hang-seo favored him more than his teammates.

Panning for gold

Immediately after learning that right-back Vu Van Thanh was injured and Xuan Manh was in a similar situation, coach Park Hang-seo continuously came up with alternative options. He arranged midfielders Minh Vuong, Quoc Tri, Van Duc, and Hong Duy to try playing in this position.

It seems that no player satisfies him, especially when playing with a 3-defender formation, things are even more difficult. The key problem is experience in occupying space, the midfielders are "not familiar with the game".

The name Trong Hoang flashed in coach Park Hang-seo's mind. Photo: Internet

The most acceptable are rookie Pham Van Thanh and veteran Nguyen Trong Hoang. In Hanoi FC's jersey, Van Thanh is still arranged by coach Chu Dinh Nghiem to play in the left-back position.

Possessing a good physique, strength and speed, Van Thanh's weaknesses are stability and experience. Coming from a striker background, Van Thanh can hold the ball and attack directly, one strike will surprise the opposing defender.

Possible solutions

Trong Hoang is known as a right winger with great physical strength and the ability to hold the ball and break through. Previous national team coaches have used Hoang “cow” to play as a central midfielder but he only played a moderate role. Trong Hoang is always strong in one-on-one battles but lacks cunning solutions when being passed by opponents.

Currently, the right midfielder position of the national team has many players who can take on the role such as Quang Hai, Cong Phuong, Van Toan, and even Van Quyet. So it is understandable that Mr. Park tried him in this position. The national team's coaching staff has recognized his ability to sweep and his ability to fight one-on-one, so he will not encounter any obstacles if he is brought back to replace Van Thanh.

Compared to Quoc Chi, the right midfielder of S.Khanh Hoa, Hoang "cow" is more stubborn and persistent along the sideline when participating in defense thanks to his very good physical foundation.

The team's coaching staff has recognized his ability to sweep and his good one-on-one combat ability, which will make him no problem if he is brought back to replace Van Thanh. Photo: Internet

In recent training sessions, when assigned to play this role, the midfielder of FLC Thanh Hoa also played quite well. If he just improves his ability to coordinate with the central defenders, the "reluctant defender" Trong Hoang will be appreciated in the new position.

Perhaps, besides Trong Hoang, Que Ngoc Hai will also do well in this position because in the past, this central defender has played successfully in the right-back position./.

Lineup for match against Incheon United

First half lineup:Tuan Manh, Duy Manh, Dinh Trong, Ngoc Hai, Trong Hoang, Quang Hai, Hung Dung, Thanh Trung, Van Duc, Cong Phuong, Tien Linh.

Second half lineup:Van Cuong, Xuan Hung, Thanh Hao, Viet Tu, Trong Hoang, Xuan Truong, Duc Huy, Quoc Chi, Van Hau, Van Quyet, Anh Duc.

AT