Many Korean reporters came to the stadium to watch U23 Vietnam's matches to "watch the legs" and report on the players who are about to play for Incheon United in the K-League.

After the match between U23 Vietnam and U23 Australia ended, Hwang Nin Guk hurriedly ran into the press area. The writer of Kyunghyang Sports looked around for a Vietnamese reporter to ask him to be the "bridge" to interview Xuan Truong, even though the player from Tuyen Quang was not used by Coach Miura in that match.

Because he was late, Hwang did not have time to interview the midfielder wearing the number 8 shirt that day. But the next day, this reporter was arranged to have a quick interview with the player who will play for Incheon United in the K-League.

"Korean football teams know how to create their image and Incheon United is no exception. Thanks to that, even though Xuan Truong has not yet come to Korea, more than half of Incheon United's fans already know about him. They are very curious to learn about the first Vietnamese player to play in the K-League, so we came here to write about him," Hwang shared with VnExpress.

Xuan Truong is the first Southeast Asian player to play for a team in the K-League. Photo: Duc Dong

The writer of Kyunghyang Sports newspaper said that when he asked if this was just a marketing or advertising deal, Xuan Truong did not show any discomfort. The midfielder of U23 Vietnam also happily answered in a very easy-to-understand English voice.

"Xuan Truong said that even if it was just an advertising deal, he was still happy. The club could get more benefits in marketing, and Xuan Truong would have the opportunity to experience the top football in Asia. He said this was a win-win deal for both sides," Hwang added.

The Korean reporter was particularly impressed with Xuan Truong's confidence. The player from Tuyen Quang said he "didn't feel any pressure when he went to Korea to play football because he had nothing to lose, only gain."

Xuan Truong created a special attraction for the Korean media at the U23 Asian Cup finals. Photojournalist Jung Jaehoon of FAPhotors decided to skip a training session of the U23 Korean team to watch the match between U23 Vietnam and U23 Jordan, in order to take photos of Xuan Truong.

"Can you show me Xuan Truong? I want to see him play and take pictures. Many Incheon United fans want to know about Xuan Truong," Jung Jaehoon asked a VnExpress reporter after running into the field because he got lost and was late.

Photographer Jung Jaehoon talks with VnExpress reporters in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Duc Dong

Jung Jaehoon said he is not a loyal fan of Incheon United but still often watches the team play. FAPhotors' photojournalist lives about 40 km from Incheon United's headquarters, and he visits the team's stadium about a dozen times a year to take photos.

At the end of the match, although U23 Vietnam lost 1-3, Jung Jaehoon still nodded in praise of Xuan Truong. The FAPhotors photographer said: "U23 Jordan is stronger, it's not surprising that U23 Vietnam lost. In a difficult situation, Xuan Truong also played well. I was very impressed with his passes."

Jung Jaehoon shared that Xuan Truong has good technique, but is limited in physical strength. However, he believes that the No. 8 midfielder of U23 Vietnam has a chance to succeed in the K-League, where there are still many small players who play successfully.

Xuan Truong signed a two-year contract with Incheon United on December 28, 2015, becoming the first Southeast Asian player to play in the K-League. After the U23 Asian Cup finals, the midfielder from Tuyen Quang will go to Korea to train with his new team. According to VFF Vice President Nguyen Xuan Gu, to recruit Xuan Truong, Incheon United had to pay Hoang Anh Gia Lai Club 300,000 USD.

According to VNE