SLNA and the memory of Phan Van Duc
(Baonghean.vn) - The Nghe An team's attack has been disappointing in recent matches. One of the reasons for this is the absence of midfielder Phan Van Duc.
The recent draw with Viettel was the second consecutive match in which SLNA was tied 0-0 with their opponent (the previous round was with Nam Dinh). Up to this point, after 8 rounds of V.League 2019, the Nghe An team has only scored 7 goals (an efficiency of 0.87 goals/match). With 7 goals, SLNA is one of the teams with the fewest goals in V.League 2019 (Nam Dinh and Viettel have only scored 6 goals).
On the Nghe An team's attack, only Olaha, Cao Xuan Thang and Nguyen Quang Tinh have scored. Currently, the Nigerian striker has contributed to 3/7 goals of the Vinh team. If counting the assist for Cao Xuan Thang to score against B.Binh Duong in round 3, Olaha has contributed to 4/8 goals of SLNA, accounting for 50%. Obviously, SLNA's achievements are heavily dependent on the scoring ability of the striker born in 1997.
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| Olaha (yellow shirt) is having difficulties in recent matches. Photo: VPF |
Therefore, in the two matches against Nam Dinh and Viettel, Olaha's neutralization prevented SLNA's attack from scoring a goal against the opponent. Witnessing Alves dos Santos's lack of luck and Olaha's loneliness surrounded by the opposing team's players, SLNA's coaching staff and Nghe An fans are missing Phan Van Duc more than ever.
Don’t forget, after 8 rounds of V.League 2018, Duc “tiger” has scored 4 goals for the Nghe team. In addition to directly contributing to the goals, Phan Van Duc also contributes to the home team’s attacks, thanks to his smart movement and understanding with teammates such as Olaha, Ho Khac Ngoc… With a player born in 1996, SLNA’s attack will be much more dangerous.
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| Phan Van Duc has not yet recovered from his injury. Photo: Archive |
The presence of Phan Van Duc on the field will stretch the opponent’s defense, giving his teammates playing next to him more space to find scoring opportunities; completely opposite to what Ho Khac Ngoc, Olaha… are having to endure. That shows that the influence of Duc “tiger” on SLNA’s playing style is extremely large.
Perhaps with the current situation, the coaching staff, SLNA players and Nghe An fans are eagerly waiting for the day Phan Van Duc “reappears”. Simply, coach Nguyen Duc Thang is lacking a dangerous player like Phan Van Duc to maximize the team’s strong playing style./.