Indonesian press worried as Nguyen Xuan Son 'supplies ammunition' for Vietnam team

The reason why the Indonesian media pays special attention to the Vietnamese team is because the two teams are in the same group B at the 2024 Southeast Asian Football Championship (AFF Cup). Vietnam and the Indonesian team are two teams with a lot of fate in the region, and are also considered direct competitors for the top spot in group B to win a ticket to the semi-finals of the 2024 AFF Cup.

"New wind" for Vietnam team

Suara.com published an article titled: "Who is Rafaelson? The Brazilian-Vietnamese player is a serious threat to the Indonesian team". The Indonesian newspaper commented that Rafaelson (also known as Nguyen Xuan Son) is one of the most unique naturalized players in the history of Vietnamese football. The striker of Nam Dinh Club could be a serious threat to the Indonesian team at the 2024 AFF Cup.

"Rafaelson officially received Vietnamese citizenship in October 2024. The 27-year-old striker will certainly support the Vietnamese team at the AFF Cup 2024. Rafaelson's career in Vietnamese football is marked by many impressive performances, helping him become one of the most successful foreign players in the domestic league. Rafaelson made history as the top scorer of the 2023-2024 V-League season, scoring a total of 31 goals in 24 matches," Suara wrote.

Nguyen Xuan Son (white shirt) will strengthen the Vietnamese team

Nguyen Xuan Son is currently the main striker of Nam Dinh FC. He is still showing formidable form for the reigning V-League champions, scoring regularly in all competitions before joining the national team. Suara commented: "Rafaelson is a very reliable striker for Nam Dinh FC. With a height of 1.85 m and a sharp scoring ability, he is a serious threat to opposing defenses."

The Indonesian newspaper commented: "The presence of Nguyen Xuan Son is expected to open a new dimension in the playing style of the Vietnamese team. Coach Kim Sang-sik can be optimistic that the performance of the Brazilian striker will contribute significantly to the team, as well as pave the way for other naturalized players to join the Vietnamese team in the future."

Form a "twin" with Tien Linh?

Nguyen Xuan Son can only wear the Vietnamese national team jersey from December 21, in the match against Myanmar in the final round of Group B - AFF Cup 2024. Accordingly, the appearance of Xuan Son raises many questions about whether the Brazilian striker will take the place of domestic strikers. In particular, Nguyen Tien Linh is the name most affected. The striker of Binh Duong Club is currently the number 1 scorer of Vietnamese football in general and the Vietnamese national team in particular.

Tien Linh (22) is currently the number 1 domestic striker of Vietnamese football.

However, experts believe that Nguyen Xuan Son and Nguyen Tien Linh can combine to increase the strength of the Vietnamese team's attack. In this case, coach Kim Sang-sik will likely use Tien Linh in the spearhead position, playing highest in the lineup.

Xuan Son will play behind Tien Linh, moving wider. Thus, the Brazilian striker will be able to promote his physical strengths, ability to press and handle the ball independently before finishing the situation himself or opening up a favorable opportunity for his teammates.

Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 is broadcast live and in full on FPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bao-chi-indonesia-bat-an-khi-nguyen-xuan-son-tiep-dan-cho-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-185241205110805118.htm