What position for Van Duc at Vietnam Olympics?

Phan Van Duc celebrates scoring against Dang Van Lam. Photo: VPF

When Coach Park... whispered

That is the true story between Coach Park Hang Seo and his student after the success at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship. Normally, Mr. Park rarely makes promises to anyone. Very rarely, those are just whispers, or expressing regret when someone cannot join the national team due to unavoidable reasons.

For example, during his visit to Ham Rong after returning home, Mr. Park met Minh Vuong, who was injured before U23 Vietnam went to China, with words of encouragement that were heartbreaking to hear: "Vuong! You should have had a place in U23 Vietnam but unfortunately you can't. I'm still waiting for you to come back."

Minh Vuong was called up to the Vietnam Olympic team. Of course, he has good form in the HAGL shirt, but more importantly, the midfielder from Thai Binh always has a thirst and a desire to learn. Like Minh Vuong, Coach Park's "whispering" in his ear has helped Phan Van Duc always shape a path for himself, which is to work hard on the field to fulfill his goals and dreams.

In the SLNA jersey, it is not too much to say that Van Duc is becoming a new "idol". In fact, after the success with U23 Vietnam, Duc "tiger" has been a sought-after name everywhere. But the guy named Phan is a progressive person and he himself affirmed that he does not want to be a "phenomenon" and then disappear. During the most difficult period for Song Lam, Van Duc was always mentioned as the person who "carries" the entire attack line for the home team.

Up to round 20, Phan Van Duc is leading the scoring list for SLNA with 9 goals. Indeed, if he had not sprained his ankle and had not been out for a long time, the number of goals scored by the midfielder born in Yen Thanh district could have been longer.

However, what makes Van Duc loved is not how many goals he scores, but the fact that he always values ​​the success of the team. "If I become the top scorer but the team is at the bottom of the rankings, that title means nothing," Van Duc once shared with a reporter from Bong Da Newspaper.

Will Phan Van Duc continue to explode?. Photo: Duc Anh

What position for Van Duc?

Phan Van Duc is one of the players who was called up to join the U23 Vietnam team the latest. At the time of preparing for the U23 Asian Cup, Van Duc was training with the U21 Vietnam team to participate in the U21 International Tournament in Can Tho. The midfielder himself, born in 1996, was skeptical about staying, if not ready to "go and pack his bags and go back to his mother".

However, Van Duc continuously brought unexpected "gifts". From the bench, this midfielder became a hero with explosive moments helping U23 turn the tables.

In Coach Park Hang Seo's game plan, Van Duc is probably the player who can play in the most positions. He can play as a striker, winger or center and when needed, he can move back to play as a full-back. His tenacious fighting spirit and versatility are always Van Duc's plus points in the Korean coach's memory.

It can be seen that, in recent times, Van Duc has significantly improved his finishing skills. What makes coach Park happiest is his simple yet effective playing style in coordination situations or transitioning from defense to counterattack.

The question is, will coach Park Hang Seo arrange for Van Duc to play as a starter or use him as a second option when the attack line is already too crowded with talent?

It is difficult to predict, but perhaps the shining moments in China will help Mr. Park have a plan to use Van Duc in the best way. That is, depending on each target, each time, to fill in Van Duc's name as "main actor" or "supporting actor".

Coach Park Hang Seo "opens the flag" with the attack line

Coach Park Hang Seo has reason to hope for the attack when the students he called up this time are all in good form at their clubs. Up to round 20, V.League 2018, Tien Linh has scored 11 goals. Duc Chinh, Quang Hai and Van Duc each have scored 9 goals. Cong Phuong has 8 goals, less than Van Toan (7 goals) and Minh Vuong has scored 6 goals.