SLNA: Concerns about center-backs

(Baonghean.vn) - The highlight match of this round will undoubtedly be the clash at Vinh Stadium between the two neighboring teams, SLNA and Thanh Hoa, both potential contenders for the championship this season.

Despite having home advantage, SLNA's coaching staff certainly have reason to worry because the visiting team's attacking firepower is formidable. More importantly, rising star Mạnh Hùng will be unavailable due to a suspension after accumulating the maximum number of yellow cards.



Is Hoang Thinh (left) capable of replacing Manh Hung?

Despite some disappointment with the series of draws and losses, it's fair to say that what Coach Huu Thang's team has achieved so far is quite impressive, especially considering SLNA is undergoing a significant rejuvenation of its squad.

A series of promising names were introduced, such as Phi Son, Ngoc Hai, Sy Sam, Dinh Hoang... most impressive of all was Manh Hung, a 20-year-old player who played with unexpected maturity, making fans in Nghe An gradually forget the image of Huy Hoang from the past.

Currently in excellent form and extremely high spirits after being called up to the national team for the "dream match" against Arsenal, it's unfortunate that Hung "Tiu" will be sidelined this weekend. This is a huge loss for the home team because as the V.League enters its final stages, SLNA needs consistent star players like Manh Hung more than ever.

Ngoc Hai is guaranteed a starting spot as he has gradually proven his abilities in the previous rounds. The challenge now is finding a compatible partner when everyone else around him seems to have problems. Son Ha, although fully recovered from injury, is no longer being considered due to his overly cautious playing style, and it is unlikely he will have a chance to play in such a tense and significant match.

Recently, there have been many opinions suggesting that coach Huu Thang should experiment with foreign player Plaza for this position. Considering his physique and ball-holding ability, this is not a bad option, but the reality is different. Despite being big, Plaza is very hesitant to engage in physical contact and often fails against tough opponents. No one can be sure he can perform well in a completely unfamiliar position. Will SLNA dare to take this gamble at such a critical time?

Hoang Thinh deserves to be chosen for this role; his reliability and aggressive, fearless playing style always please the coaching staff. There's a slight concern as he's only recently recovered from injury, and his ball control and fitness are still questionable. But ultimately, this remains the best option for Coach Huu Thang at this time.

Viet Khanh