Song Lam Nghe An needs to boldly change its tactics.

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Song Lam Nghe An is going through a difficult period in the V.League 2025/26. Unsatisfactory results are causing concern among fans in Nghe An. One of the most frequently asked questions right now is how to maximize the team's strengths, especially the role of midfielder Ho Khac Ngoc. Some suggest that SLNA should try adopting a 3-5-2 formation in a compact style similar to what AC Milan is using with Luka Modric. This could be the key to helping the team play more effectively and efficiently.

Ho Khac Ngoc is currently considered the orchestrator of SLNA. He possesses creative passing ability, controls the tempo of the game, and delivers decisive passes. However, Khac Ngoc's weaknesses have become apparent over time. His physical fitness is no longer at its peak, and his ability to move widely to both attack and support defense often leaves him exhausted at crucial moments. In the familiar 4-4-2 or 4-1-4-1 formation, the central midfielder must cover many areas, and this becomes a burden for Khac Ngoc.

Looking at AC Milan, we can see they solved a similar problem with Modrić. Despite being over 39 years old, thanks to being placed in a suitable system, Modrić still maximized his qualities as a playmaker. In a 3-5-2 formation, he was surrounded by muscular and mobile players. As a result, Modrić didn't have to move around too much, instead focusing on coordinating, delivering creative passes, and controlling the tempo of the game. SLNA could completely learn from this approach to protect and maximize Khắc Ngọc's strengths.

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If SLNA adopts a 3-5-2 formation, they will make personnel adjustments. The defense, with three central defenders – Van Thanh, Justin Garcia, and Nam Hai – will create a secure shield behind them. The two wing-backs, Van Huy and Van Cuong, will act as wing-backs, supporting both defense and attacking. In the center of midfield, Phan Ba ​​Quyen will play as a defensive anchor, staying deepest to recover the ball and shield the defense. Quang Vinh will take on a box-to-box role, moving widely, pressing, and supporting both attack and defense. Ho Khac Ngoc will be in the most advantageous position, not having to worry much about defense but focusing on creating chances and controlling the game. Up front, the duo of Olaha and Moore will utilize their speed and strength to finish after receiving the ball from the back.

The clear strength of this formation is its compact playing style. The lines are positioned close together, maintaining reasonable distances to minimize space. This makes it difficult for opponents to exploit gaps in the midfield, and also prevents Khắc Ngọc from being isolated in defense. When in possession, he always has many options for passing to his teammates. When the ball is lost, Bá Quyền and Quang Vinh shoulder most of the pressing and tackling, reducing the pressure on the team's playmaker.

Of course, the 3-5-2 formation is not without its risks. The two wing-backs must have excellent stamina to constantly attack and defend. If concentration is lost, the gaps on the flanks will be the most exploited by the opponent. In addition, for this formation to work smoothly, the players need a high level of understanding. This system demands tactical discipline, the ability to maintain distance, and synchronized coordination. Otherwise, it is very easy for the three-man defense to be stretched and overwhelmed by the opponent.

Nevertheless, the benefits it offers are worth considering. SLNA will be able to maximize Ho Khac Ngoc's creativity. The team can maintain a stable tempo in the game, creating more clear-cut opportunities for the attack. More importantly, this arrangement helps balance the lines, preventing Khac Ngoc from having to spread his energy too thin, thereby reducing the risk of him being overloaded or experiencing a decline in form. Quang Vinh and Ba Quyen will become the lungs, covering and sharing the burden, allowing the team's playmaker to focus on his creative role.

In the current context, changing the tactical formation could be a reasonable option for SLNA to regain the trust of its fans. The 3-5-2 formation would give the team the opportunity to maximize the quality of its existing personnel. If implemented effectively, this could be the key to helping SLNA improve their performance, play more rationally and safely, and especially to fully exploit the qualities of Ho Khac Ngoc.