Goalkeeper Tran Duc Cuong: Spider-Man 'rejuvenated' at 35

Trung Kien• January 26, 2020 15:05

(Baonghean.vn) - Most of the Vietnamese players born in 1985 have retired, not many are still playing in the V.League. However, at the age of 35, goalkeeper Tran Duc Cuong is still "rejuvenated", showing no signs of wanting to stop playing for B. Binh Duong Club.

As one of the potential goalkeepers who grew up from SLNA, goalkeeper Duc Cuong did not have a chance to play for his hometown team. During the foundation stage of his career, Duc Cuong did not have the opportunity to play because before him were icons in the goal like The Anh and Hong Son.

Realizing that Duc Cuong was young, had a good physique (1m81 tall), and had a lot of potential, the teachers at SLNA tried to send Duc Cuong to SHB Da Nang in 2003. And also here, Duc Cuong's talent had a place to "show off", especially in the period of 2005 - 2007.

In his early twenties, he was called up by coach Calisto and became the second goalkeeper of the 2007 Asian Cup as well as the 2008 AFF Cup. He could not compete for the starting position with his senior Duong Hong Son in the national team, but the time playing for the national team brought a lot of experience to this goalkeeper.

Thủ môn Trần Đức Cường thời kỳ đỉnh cao. Ảnh: FBNV

Goalkeeper Tran Duc Cuong in his prime. Photo: FBNV

In 2009, SHB Da Nang's number 1 goalkeeper Vo Van Hanh and Duc Cuong were only given opportunities in arenas like the National Cup and the Nghe An goalkeeper did not disappoint coach Le Huynh Duc with convincing performances.

In 2011, when Da Nang had found another young goalkeeper to replace him, Duc Cuong drifted to Hoa Phat Ha Noi but only stayed for 1 year, playing 7 matches. A year later, the goalkeeper born in 1985 joined Ha Noi ACB but did not do much better, playing 11 matches in the 2012 season before Duc Cuong left Ha Noi.

Duc Cuong's new destination was B. Binh Duong in 2013. In his first year playing for the team, Duc Cuong only played 5 matches because he could not compete with goalkeeper Tan Truong. At this time, Duc Cuong was 28 years old and he returned to SLNA with the hope of retiring in his hometown's shirt.

However, 2014 and 2015 were the years when young goalkeeper Nguyen Manh showed remarkable maturity and Duc Cuong had almost no chance of competing with his junior. In 2014, he did not play even 1 match and in V.League 2015, it was 9 matches.

Thủ môn Trần Đức Cường đang có những ngày hạnh phúc trong màu áo Bình Dương. Ảnh: FBNV

Goalkeeper Tran Duc Cuong is having happy days in Binh Duong's shirt. Photo: FBNV

When his contract with SLNA ended, Duc Cuong was asked by the leadership to extend his contract and train him to become a goalkeeper coach in the future. Initially, Duc Cuong's wish was to play near his family. However, at the last minute, Duc Cuong suddenly decided to return to B. Binh Duong.

This is a bold decision of this goalkeeper, because returning to B. Binh Duong, Duc Cuong also had to sit on the bench. Tan Truong's position is irreplaceable and after the last 4 seasons playing for B. Binh Duong, V.League 2019 is the season in which he left his mark with 11 matches. Duc Cuong's most prominent mark in B. Binh Duong's shirt is the 2018 National Cup championship when he was the goalkeeper chosen to start in the final match.

More surprisingly, despite his age, Duc Cuong's form has not declined and his experience has been maximized. His diving, saving and entering phases all bring peace of mind to his teammates at B. Binh Duong.

Goalkeeper Tran Duc Cuong will be the number 1 goalkeeper of B. Binh Duong in V.League 2020. Photo: NVCC.

Thanks to his perseverance, persistence, and professionalism in training, Duc Cuong's career is like a late-blooming flower. Entering 2020, when goalkeeper Tan Truong has lost his form and retired, Duc Cuong's opportunities are even greater. He will be B. Binh Duong's number 1 goalkeeper in V.League 2020 because B. Binh Duong only registered 2 goalkeepers besides Pham Van Tien.

Among the goalkeepers still playing in the V.League at present, Duc Cuong is considered the most veteran with nearly 20 years of playing at the top level, winning many titles.

Seeing Duc Cuong playing consistently in B. Binh Duong shirt in the context of Nguyen Manh leaving SLNA, Nghe An fans have reason to regret for the Nghe An team. However, choosing B. Binh Duong to stick with is a quite reasonable decision of his, because coming to this team has brought him many things.