Moving from Yokohama FC in J-League 2 to Binh Phuoc Club (first division) is a step back in terms of playing environment for Cong Phuong. Because obviously compared to the Japanese national championship, Vietnamese football is still very far behind. Not to mention, the first division with a small number of teams, no foreign players, and low competition is also a big obstacle for Phuong. The difficulty for the striker born in 1995 is that: he ended his contract with Yokohama when the player registration period in V-League had expired. He only has the option of playing in the first division if he wants to return to Vietnam.
However, up to now, Cong Phuong is benefiting from the decision to play for Binh Phuoc Club. He was given the opportunity to play continuously (5 starting matches since the beginning of the season) to regain his competitive spirit and improve his physical strength, and was assigned the role of "locomotive" by coach Nguyen Anh Duc. In response, Phuong scored 3 goals and 1 assist, making a mark on more than half of Binh Phuoc's goals after 4 matches in the first division.
Cong Phuong scored 3 goals for Binh Phuoc Club in the first division.
PHOTO: BINH PHUOC CLUB
Although he has not been able to return to his peak, the skills that once made Cong Phuong a brand are still there. The long-range shot that scored against Khanh Hoa Club, or the corner kick that Tu Nhan headed into the Ba Ria-Vung Tau net, all combine the elements that the former HAGL striker has: strong enough leg strength for dangerous shots, the ability to dribble, accelerate, agility in the penalty area, and the determination to prove himself.
Cong Phuong shined at the right time when the Vietnamese team lacked good strikers. Coach Kim Sang-sik tested many strikers in the past three training sessions, but only Tien Linh and Vi Hao were good enough; Tuan Hai and Van Toan had problems with injuries; Thanh Binh and Van Tung have not proven much. The Vietnamese attack line is very thin, requiring Mr. Kim to "scrub the sand to find gold" to have more quality players. Phuong meets the requirements, both in terms of solid experience, adaptability and desire to compete.
In the past year, Cong Phuong has only been called up to the Vietnamese national team once, in the September 2023 training session because he was not allowed to play in Yokohama. However, when his competitive spirit has returned, the 29-year-old striker can turn things around and return to wear the national team jersey.
Commentator Vu Quang Huy shared: “Cong Phuong has experience and class, along with an exemplary lifestyle. Returning to Binh Phuoc Club, he is playing well and is still in good form. In the context that the Vietnamese national team does not have a good striker, at least Cong Phuong deserves to go to Korea for training, then depending on his performance to be selected.”
Expert Doan Minh Xuong commented: “At the present time, although he is completely worthy of being called up to the Vietnam national team and participating in the AFF Cup 2024, perhaps Cong Phuong's playing style will not be suitable for coach Kim Sang-sik's intention to build a playing style and tactical system. First of all, Mr. Kim wants to rejuvenate the squad, and Cong Phuong is no longer young. Second, coach Kim Sang-sik needs a striker who is good at sweeping, or wingers with good speed and breakthrough. Cong Phuong is not good at playing as a striker, nor is he a type of player who penetrates from the wing. At Binh Phuoc Club, Cong Phuong plays the role of leading the play, and this role the Vietnam national team already has Hoang Duc and Quang Hai.”
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cong-phuong-xung-dang-co-suat-o-aff-cup-185241117211137982.htm
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