Before the match SLNA - SHB Da Nang: What to expect from central defender Pham The Nhat?

Without needing to analyze carefully, everyone understands the talent and importance of central defender, captain Hoang Van Khanh to the Vinh team. Almost certainly, the SLNA coaching board will choose Pham The Nhat to play in the central defender position, alongside foreign player Gustavo Santos. However, compared to teammates like Thai Ba Sang or Le Thanh Lam, the central defender wearing the number 3 shirt is also considered to be more experienced.

Hoang Van Khanh (number 5) will have to rest for about a month. Photo: Xuan Thuy

The first time Pham The Nhat started as a central defender last season was in the match between SLNA and Quang Nam, in the 1/8 round of the National Cup. In that match, the home team took the lead with a score of 2 - 0. However, the carelessness of the defense, typically the central defender duo Memovic - Pham The Nhat, contributed to Quang Nam's successful comeback (winning the penalty shootout).

Just a few days later, in the match against SHB Da Nang, in round 14 of V.League 2019, Pham The Nhat was arranged by the SLNA coaching staff to play alongside Memovic, because Hoang Van Khanh was suspended (3 yellow cards). This was the second consecutive time that Pham The Nhat played in the center-back position in the starting lineup of SLNA, after a period of having to be friends with the bench or having to play in his weak position (full-back).

It is worth mentioning that Pham The Nhat had a rather impressive match, when together with Memovic, he formed a solid "shield" in front of goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh's goal. Perhaps, Nghe An football fans were not satisfied with the 0-0 draw of the home team, but it cannot be denied that Pham The Nhat had a quite excellent performance, meeting the expectations of the SLNA coaching staff.

Pham The Nhat (number 3) is the most likely option for the position left by Hoang Van Khanh. Photo: Xuan Thuy

After his suspension, Hoang Van Khanh returned to his familiar position, while Pham The Nhat continued to play the role of "backup plan". And it was not until round 18 of V.League 2019, against Duoc Nam Ha Nam Dinh, that the player born in 1991 had the third time to start in his favorite position. Foreign player Memovic was suspended (3 yellow cards), forcing the SLNA coaching staff to arrange for Pham The Nhat to pair with Hoang Van Khanh in the center of the defense. Unfortunately, this was a match to forget for Pham The Nhat in particular and SLNA in general. At the end of 90 minutes, Duoc Nam Ha Nam Dinh defeated the Nghe An team with a score of 2 - 0.

Despite his disappointing performance at Thien Truong Stadium and especially the return of Memovic, Pham The Nhat was still used by the SLNA coaching staff in the next match against Viettel. It seems that being paired with Memovic made Pham The Nhat play more confidently and firmly. SLNA's 3-1 victory over the visitors from the capital was largely due to the contribution of this central defender duo. If he had not had to leave the field due to injury, Pham The Nhat would have had a perfect match.

Thus, last season, Pham The Nhat only started in 4 matches, in the role of a central defender. Overall, the 29-year-old player has somewhat proven his ability and importance, especially when playing alongside a tall foreign player. Therefore, in the case of being paired with Gustavo Santos in the upcoming match between SLNA and SHB Da Nang, Pham The Nhat will most likely play successfully.

Two impressive performances against Binh Dinh and Ba Ria - Vung Tau in the 2020 National Cup are the basis for the coaching staff and SLNA fans to have more confidence in Pham The Nhat's talent and experience. In short, let Pham The Nhat take care of Hoang Van Khanh's position, because this is not the first time the central defender wearing the number 3 shirt has played the role of "firefighter" for the Nghe An team./.