Which central midfield duo will SLNA play with when V.League returns?

After the departure of Khac Ngoc, Ngoc Toan and Van Binh's retirement, SLNA's midfield only has Ho Sy Sam as a true central midfielder. Unable to choose foreign players to replace them as desired, coach Ngo Quang Truong was forced to recall Bui Dinh Chau, Vuong Quoc Trung and promote Dang Van Lam from the youth team, while choosing versatile player Quang Tinh as a backup option.

Dang Van Lam has not yet shown as much as expected. Photo: Document

Right in the opening match against Saigon FC, Dinh Chau and Van Lam were unexpectedly named in the starting lineup. For the first time stepping foot in the V.League arena, the young midfielder duo, although ensuring good defensive support from a distance, on the offensive front, their ball circulation and delivering high-damage passes up front were not as expected.

Given an early opportunity, Dinh Chau’s already fiery legs seemed to be more eager to show himself. One of those overly fiery situations caused the 24-year-old midfielder to suffer an injury and he had to leave the field immediately after to make way for Quang Tinh. In recent training sessions, Dinh Chau has been doing light exercises under the doctor’s guidance and has yet to set a return date.

After 2 rounds of V.League 2020, Dang Van Lam is the only player in SLNA's midfield to play the full 180 minutes. However, inheriting the shirt number left by his senior Khac Ngoc and the trust of the coaching staff and fans, Van Lam has not yet shown satisfactory results.

Quang Tinh's experience is still very necessary for SLNA at this time. Photo: Document

Although Quang Tinh and Sy Sam, who have only played 20 minutes this season, have threatened the opponent's goal, Van Lam's performance is still a big zero. Whether it is the timidity to join the attack or playing too safely in his own half with the task of supporting the defense, the decision of "Number 12" has a significant impact on the already weak attack of the Nghe An team. Pairing Van Lam with any senior player in the center of the midfield brings certain values ​​so that the young midfielder from Do Luong can accumulate experience, but that does not mean forcing the young shoots to grow leaves overnight.

While Dinh Chau cannot train hard and Quoc Trung has not received absolute trust, the arrangement of Sy Sam and Quang Tinh in the center of midfield at this time is an option that can ensure the balance of attack and defense in the first half of the match. It is not too late to let the "rough diamond" Van Lam be both a backup option and to gradually hone his skills in the remaining 45 minutes.

When fans were too familiar with the image of long balls from Khac Ngoc's feet towards Olaha who was ready to "fight independently" above from the past 3 seasons, having to witness the new foreign duo both starving for the ball and lacking the ability to make breakthroughs began to bring worries.

SLNA's attack, Phan Van Duc cannot be left to carry the burden forever!