U23 Vietnam: Slender center back - why not Thanh Chung?

First of all, it must be said that whether Dinh Trong can enter the field or not does not affect Thanh Chung's presence in the starting lineup much. Because in addition to playing the central defender position, the Hanoi player can also play well when arranged to play on the left.

Deserves to start

Thanh Chung: "I am ready". Photo: VFF

Thus, Thanh Chung is not a replacement for Dinh Trong at the 2020 AFC U23 Championship, he completely deserves a starting position. Especially when analyzing the professional data of this central defender at the recent 30th SEA Games, it will give a more accurate assessment. In terms of style, Thanh Chung is a defender who tends to read the opponent's attacking intentions, proactively moving to intercept and intercept the ball like Dinh Trong.

With a height of 1.81 m, good jumping ability, and the ability to choose the right position, Thanh Chung has an 83% successful aerial combat rate, the second highest in the team. Mr. Park often requires this central defender to continuously participate in set-piece situations, putting direct pressure on the opponent's goal.

Like his teammates, Thanh Chung does not tackle many times (1.7 times/match) because he always anticipates and intercepts his opponents first. This is an extremely necessary quality for a player who plays in a wide position, often covering for his teammates. However, Thanh Chung's average ball recovery and clearance stats per match are currently 6.8 and 4.8 times/match, the second best in the U23 Vietnam team.

Looking at Thanh Chung's passing map, we can see that this center back rarely passes the ball back to the goalkeeper, which is very necessary at the current U23 level. Thanh Chung's left foot also makes many attacks with medium and long distances like Que Ngoc Hai.

If you follow the professional process of this central defender, you will know that Thanh Chung and Quang Hai (players born in 1997-1998) were promoted to the first team the earliest and were able to lift the V.League 2016 championship cup. Meanwhile, Dinh Trong had to pack his bags and play for Saigon FC for 2 seasons before returning to Hang Day Stadium. Even though he plays as a central defender, Thanh Chung is a "rookie" who is often sent onto the field by coach Chu Dinh Nghiem when Hanoi FC needs a goal.

Thanh Chung's left foot (wearing a beige shirt) also made many attacks with medium and long distances like Que Ngoc Hai. Photo: VFF

Thanh Chung's career was not smooth because of his views that were contrary to his coach Hoang Tuan Anh. Although highly appreciated by many other coaches, Thanh Chung did not have a chance to join the Vietnam U19 team. Meanwhile, Dinh Trong became a key player participating in the 2017 U20 World Cup and the 29th SEA Games. Despite his physical disadvantage, Dinh Trong was forced to play in positions other than his forte, such as right-back and defensive midfielder.

Returning from Saigon FC, in Hanoi, center back Dinh Trong played more than Thanh Chung. When coach Park Hang-seo appeared, the teams that applied the 3 center back formation had more opportunities for Dinh Trong to show himself and affirm the leading position of the team as it is today.

Trust Thanh Chung

Thanh Chung's activity diagram at SEA Games 30, quite simple playing style. Photo: Phu Tran

Meanwhile, Thanh Chung, due to non-professional issues, took a different path. It was not until SEA Games 30 when Dinh Trong was injured that experts saw all the qualities of this central defender. Even in narrow professional abilities, he surpassed Dinh Trong when he was at his best.

Many coaches believe that Mr. Park is very concerned about Dinh Trong's injury, not Thanh Chung's professional ability. What the Korean coach is worried about is the backup plan for Thanh Chung's position, rather than needing someone to enter the field immediately.

With a rather sensitive position like sweeper center back, it is rare for a coach to immediately give a chance to a player who has been injured for a long time and has not played on the field like Dinh Trong. Obviously, Dinh Trong is a good center back but Thanh Chung's current form is equally impressive. The trust given to Thanh Chung needs to be greater, in line with what this player has contributed./.