Van Hau only plays as a reserve: In misfortune, there is luck

Although, Mr. Hien has firmly stated: "Participating in SEA Games 30 is a prerequisite in the contract with SC Heerenveen regarding the loan of Van Hau", but it was only now when coach Johnny Jansen officially confirmed that fans were reassured. The SEA Games 30 is not part of the FIFA competition system, so whether or not to release the player depends on separate agreements.

All beginnings are hard.

When Doan Van Hau went to play in the Netherlands in the SC Heerenveen squad, which only had one left-back, Lucas Woudenberg. When this player had good physique and fitness, played very consistently and was one of the best left-backs in the tournament. It was understandable that the player from Thai Binh, Doan Van Hau, had to sit on the bench often. Mr. Hien accepted that Van Hau would play from the bench or compete in the national cup.

Van Hau is sure to be present at SEA Games 20. Photo: SC Heerenveen Club

However, in the match against AZ Alkmaar on October 19, when Woudenberg was injured and had to leave the field in the second half and continued to sit out in the match against Groningen, SC Heerenveen's head coach decided to move right-back Sherel Floranus to the left wing.

The first round of the Dutch Cup is an opportunity for coaches to give their reserve players a chance. SC Heerenveen's opponents Excelsior Maassluis are not a very strong team, but coach Jansen still used a squad with many first-team players.

They only made two changes to the squad in the National Cup compared to the 1-1 draw against Groningen in the 11th round of the Eredivisie on October 27. Heerenveen beat Excelsior 3-0. Van Hau continued to be on the club's roster, but was not allowed to play because coach Johnny Jansen was too cautious.

So, coming to the Netherlands since the beginning of September, but Van Hau is only on the reserve list, has not played a single minute. There is a bit of worry for the left-back of the Vietnam national team and U22.

Because he was just a “reserve for the reserve” and Woudenberg’s recovery was better than expected, Van Hau was approved by SC Heerenveen to attend the SEA Games. Of course, Hanoi FC will have to be responsible for “compensating” 40,000 euros (including taxes and airfare) for Van Hau to return to attend the 30th SEA Games.

In every misfortune, there is a blessing.

Meanwhile, SC Heerenveen is determined not to let striker Chidera Ejuke return to Nigeria to participate in the African U23 tournament taking place in Egypt in November. The 21-year-old striker is also one of the regular players chosen by SC Heerenveen coach Johnny Jansen.

Arriving in the Netherlands since the beginning of September, but Van Hau is only on the reserve list. Photo: SC Heerenveen Club

Although having 6 strikers, the trio J. Odgaard, M. van Bergen, Chidera Ejuke are the main strikers with 11 appearances. Chidera Ejuke and J. Odgaard have so far scored 4 goals, leading the scoring list for SC Heerenveen.

"The U23 Africa Cup of Nations is not part of FIFA Day, so we will not be responsible for sending this player back to Nigeria," coach Johnny Jansen bluntly rejected the request to summon Ejuke from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

This will certainly be a disadvantage for the U23 Nigeria team because this tournament will determine the right to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In Africa, the U23 teams of Egypt, Camoorun, and Ghana are all very strong, so the absence of striker Chidera Ejuke will cause some difficulties for the U23 Nigeria team.

Thus, not being a starter for SC Heerenveen is a blessing for Van Hau and the U22 Vietnam team in their gold-hunting campaign at the SEA Games. With a match frequency of 2 days/match, Mr. Park really needs many good players to rotate his squad. Van Hau's ability to play both left-back and left midfielder will help Mr. Park have more tactical options.