Should SLNA recruit Hoang Van Binh?

Should…

First of all, it must be admitted that the former SLNA, B.Binh Duong and FLC Thanh Hoa player is one of the best central midfielders in Vietnamese football today. What he has shown at Vinh Stadium, Binh Duong Stadium, Thanh Hoa Stadium in recent seasons is clear evidence, enough to convince everyone.

Look no further than last season, under the guidance of coach Petrovic, Hoang Van Binh was the most stable and excellent player of FLC Thanh Hoa.

Not only does he do well in the duties of a central midfielder such as intercepting from afar, competing in duels, initiating attacks, creating assists for teammates..., Hoang Van Binh also possesses quite impressive scoring ability.

According to statistics, in V.League 2017, the 29-year-old player played a total of 23 matches and scored 3 goals for the Thanh team. The goal in the 90+4 minute against Ho Chi Minh City Club in round 5, helping FLC Thanh Hoa win with a score of 1 - 0, was an unforgettable mark that Hoang Van Binh left in the hearts of fans. FLC Thanh Hoa's achievement of winning the runner-up position in V.League 2017, was largely due to the former SLNA midfielder.

Entering this year’s season, things did not go really smoothly for Hoang Van Binh. Both coach Mihail and new captain Nguyen Duc Thang did not use some of the “veterans” under former coach Petrovic, such as Mai Tien Thanh, Le Quoc Phuong and Hoang Van Binh… Therefore, the number of appearances of the player born in 1989 in V.League 2018 is only 5.

Hoang Van Binh's contract has just been terminated by FLC Thanh Hoa. Photo courtesy

Through that, it can be affirmed that the conflict with the coach (Mihail, Nguyen Duc Thang) is the fundamental reason why Hoang Van Binh was "exiled" on the bench, and has nothing to do with the player's performance.

At the age of 29, with his talent and experience, Hoang Van Binh is still the target of many teams playing in the V.League. Perhaps, his old team SLNA is no exception. The reunion between Hoang Van Binh and SLNA is what most Nghe An fans want.

…And shouldn't

Obviously, if Hoang Van Binh is recruited, SLNA's midfield will be noticeably stronger. Compared to the players that Coach Nguyen Duc Thang currently has in the central midfield position, except for Ho Khac Ngoc, no one can compare to Hoang Van Binh in terms of expertise, experience and "weirdness".

In theory, Hoang Van Binh is a great addition to the Nghe An team’s midfield. Working alongside his senior Hoang Van Binh, “conductor” Ho Khac Ngoc will be even more formidable.

However, from theory to practice is a long way. It is not true that putting two good players together will bring out the best performance. Do not forget, Nguyen Quang Tinh (currently playing for XSKT Can Tho) only shined in the central midfielder position (2014 and 2015 seasons) when Hoang Van Binh moved to B.Binh Duong.

At that time (from 2010 - 2013), coach Nguyen Huu Thang could not find a way to arrange the central midfielder pair Hoang Van Binh - Nguyen Quang Tinh.

Ho Khac Ngoc has been shining brightly recently.Photo: Thang Nguyen

Therefore, the combination between Ho Khac Ngoc and Hoang Van Binh is still a question mark. Not necessarily, the player born in 1989 played well with Ho Khac Ngoc with Vo Ngoc Toan, Ho Sy Sam, Dau Thanh Phong and Le Manh Dung...

There is another reason why SLNA's leadership is hesitant in recruiting Hoang Van Binh. It is nothing other than money.

Certainly, taking this opportunity, many teams jumped in to attract this midfielder with attractive incentives (signing fee, salary). This is SLNA's disadvantage compared to other teams.

In the immediate future, the Nghe An team needs a "mountain of money" to replace foreign players (Osmar is likely to be liquidated) and to renew contracts with Que Ngoc Hai, Pham Manh Hung, Cao Xuan Thang, Ho Sy Sam... (nearly 10 players' contracts will expire after the end of this season).

In short, although SLNA and Hoang Van Binh want to reunite, the possibility of success of this deal is very low./.