Song Lam Nghe An is revealing many weaknesses.
(Baonghean.vn) - Perhaps fans in Nghe An need to look more objectively at the true capabilities of SLNA. Under the guidance of coach Ngo Quang Truong, they have a talented squad, but proving their true level in the V.League still requires a long process.
Many fans from Nghe An are dissatisfied with SLNA's current stagnant style of play, failing to understand that their attacking power on the flanks is almost non-existent. If asked to identify the weakest position in the SLNA lineup, many experts would say it's the two wing midfielders.
While last season Phi Son made a significant contribution to his team's gameplay with his ability to disrupt opposing defenses, in the past seven matches, the midfielder from Ha Tinh has not reached his peak form because... he's too overweight.
If Phi Son is positioned to play alongside Dinh Hoang on the right wing, his role will be to support the defense and drop back to provide cover for Dinh Hoang. The best player to fulfill this role alongside Dinh Hoang is the midfielder currently playing for B. Binh Duong – Nguyen Trong Hoang. At the same time, Dinh Hoang will also contribute to the attack. Dinh Hoang has strength and acceleration, but his crosses lack accuracy. Therefore, SLNA's forwards have yet to score a goal from crosses.
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| The responsibility of scoring goals rests heavily on the shoulders of striker Odah Marshal, the Nigerian forward who has contributed 5 out of 7 goals for SLNA. (Photo: Duc Chuyen) |
Following the familiar 4-4-2 formation, with two foreign players automatically assigned to the attacking positions and Phi Son on one wing, all forwards Tuan Tai, Van Duc, Viet Nguyen, and Phuc Tinh will have to compete for a wing position with midfielders Van Vinh, Xuan Manh, and Xuan Thang. Without a viable attacking and defensive midfielder, the void left by Dinh Dong in the defense is quite significant, especially since Ngoc Duc has only recently returned from injury. Therefore, SLNA is lacking stability in the positions currently occupied by Phi Son and Van Vinh.
If Quang Tình had been retained, the Nghe An team would certainly have had an ideal central axis, with Nguyen Manh, Ngoc Hai, Quang Tinh, and Odah Marshal up front. However, it is too late to say what role the midfielder currently playing for XSKT Can Tho played.
Typically, after conceding a goal, the blame is placed on the defenders. However, if the pressure isn't relieved by the midfielders, it's perfectly understandable that defenders frequently make mistakes. Remember that players like Ngoc Hai, Manh Hung, Dinh Hoang, Minh Duc, and even Van Khanh (1995) are no strangers to strikers in the V.League.
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| SLNA's defense is overly reliant on the form of Que Ngoc Hai. |
Besides bad luck and lack of finishing ability, one of the main reasons why striker Baba Saia has been goalless in the last 7 matches is the poor ball distribution by SLNA's attacking midfielders. This forces the Ivorian striker to play deeper, drawing defenders away, making breakthroughs, and creating scoring opportunities for Odah.
Let's take a look back at the goals SLNA scored in V.League 2016, all bearing the individual mark of striker Odah rather than the role of the midfield.
SLNA vs QNK Quang Nam:
Phi Son took advantage of the opponent's defensive mistake to score a header (1)
Odah broke through on the right wing, crossed the ball to Van Vinh who headed it in to score (2)
Phi Son made a through pass to Odah who ran into position to score (3)
Binh Duong vs SLNA:
Ngoc Hai made a through pass for Odah to run into position and score a goal (4)
Salia went to prepare the feast for Odah. (5)
SLNA vs Saigon:
Van Vinh passed the ball over the line to Odah to score after the clumsy situation of the opposing defender (6)
Than QN vs SLNA: Goalkeeper pushes the ball away after Cao Xuan Thang's shot, Odah taps the ball into the net (7)
Hoai Hoan
