Xuan Son scores a hat-trick as Nam Dinh wins 3-0 against Shan United.

Three shots, three scenarios, one clear message: Nguyen Xuan Son is back. On the evening of December 4th, at the Southeast Asian Champions League (Shopee Cup), the striker of Thep Xanh Nam Dinh scored a hat-trick to help his team win 3-0 against Shan United, and was also honored as Man of the Match.

Key features: coolness, speed, and ball control.

Xuan Son's hat-trick came from three situations that fully showcased the skills of a center forward: a coolly taken penalty to open the scoring, a close-range finish after a cutting run, and a decisive turning shot to seal the victory. Without needing much space, he made the most of every moment in the penalty area to complete his goal-scoring mission.

The main events unfold according to the emotions of the match.

The opening goal from the penalty spot relieved the pressure, putting Nam Dinh on a path of control. The second goal showcased Xuan Son's positioning and cutting runs in the 5.5-meter area. And as Shan United tried to push forward, his turning and finishing shot sealed the match, a testament to his individual skill and the confidence he had regained after injury.

Tactical analysis: a complete center forward in the penalty box

From three goals with three different types of finishing, it can be seen that Xuan Son's strengths lie in: (1) strong mentality from the penalty spot, (2) spatial awareness and timing of movement to approach the cutting point, (3) quick one-touch/angled handling in the penalty area. These are the qualities that help a number 9 make a difference without needing to touch the ball much.

The variety in his goal-scoring methods also reflects his physical readiness and rhythm. In the final shot, the turn confirmed his restored feel for the ball, while the cut-in showed his speed and ability to seize opportunities remain high. For a striker returning from injury, this is an important indicator.

Post-match statement: a concise message, clear determination.

Immediately after receiving the award, Xuan Son shared: "Hello everyone. Son is very happy to be back with the whole team. Even better, I scored a goal and the team won. Let's look forward to the next match together. Come on, Nam Dinh Steel Green!"

The concise message reflects his desire to contribute and his commitment to putting the team first. With this positive mindset, he has a solid foundation to maintain his effectiveness in the upcoming matches in the regional arena.

Impact on Nam Dinh and Xuan Son

The 3-0 victory secured three crucial points for Nam Dinh Steel in the Southeast Asian Champions League. On an individual level, the hat-trick was a strong affirmation of the class of a naturalized striker currently playing for the Vietnamese national team. As the main striker, Xuan Son's return came at the right time, adding firepower and providing a source of confidence for the Nam Dinh team's attack.

Selective statistics

• Score: Nam Dinh Green Steel 3-0 Shan United.
• The scorer of all three goals: Nguyen Xuan Son (hat-trick).
• Tournament: Southeast Asian Champions League (Shopee Cup).
• Match date: evening of December 4th.
• Award: Man of the Match goes to Xuan Son.

Professional perspective

Having just returned from injury, Xuân Son's ability to score in three different ways solidifies his irreplaceable role as Nam Định's center forward. His presence forces opposing defenses into a dilemma: if they drop deep to limit space near the goal, they face pressure from penalties and shots with their backs to the goal; if they push forward, the space behind them opens up for attacking runs.

That's the greatest value of a "complete" hat-trick in the penalty box: not just the number of goals, but also the tactical message it sends to the rest of the tournament.