Does Bui Vi Hao deserve to be criticized?

Vĩ Hào needs to be judged more fairly.

There are many "ifs" for Bui Vi Hao in the first leg of the AFF Cup 2024 semi-final against Singapore on the evening of December 26th.

If Vi Hao had combined with Xuan Son in the sharp counter-attack at the end of the first half instead of trying to stretch and shoot, or if the 21-year-old striker had been more precise in the one-on-one situation with the Singapore goalkeeper (62nd minute), perhaps the Vietnamese team would not have had to wait until injury time of the second half to secure the victory at Jalan Besar Stadium.

In both of these plays, Vi Hao's weaknesses were exposed. The player born in 2003 lacked sufficient balance and acceleration, and also lacked the necessary composure to convert opportunities into goals.

Vi Hao had a forgettable match.

Entering the semi-finals, in matches where scoring opportunities are scarce, missing crucial moments can become a weakness for the Vietnamese team. Fortunately, Singapore also had poor finishing in last night's match. Coach Kim Sang-sik's team won because they were... less wasteful than their opponents, but it cannot be said that the Vietnamese team played exceptionally well.

However, it would be unfair to criticize Vi Hao for those two missed opportunities. Firstly, it's no coincidence that coach Kim Sang-sik selected Vi Hao during the September training camp and subsequently planned to make him a key player in the attack. At the 2024 AFF Cup, Vi Hao started in 5 out of 6 matches, playing a total of 330 minutes, the third most in the team (only after Hoang Duc and Thanh Chung).

Despite having many quality attacking players like Van Toan, Tuan Hai, or young players who had gained experience under his predecessor like Quoc Viet and Van Truong, Mr. Kim still firmly believed in Vi Hao - a young star who had never played for the national team before he arrived.

Coach Kim Sang-sik recognized Vi Hao's potential. The young striker from Binh Duong possesses a tenacious and enthusiastic playing style. He can run continuously, accelerate well over short distances, persistently chase down opponents to put pressure on them when they have the ball, and also run to create space for his teammates to advance. It was Vi Hao's tireless running and fighting spirit that contributed to wearing down the Singapore defense, leading to the home team's mistake in injury time of the second half.

Wei Hao tried his best.

Unlike strikers who play passively, waiting for the ball, Vi Hao diligently runs to create opportunities. Statistically, the 21-year-old striker is one of the players with the widest range of activity, providing the most defensive support from afar on the field. To assess Vi Hao's contribution, one needs to look at the overall game, rather than just a few moments (although sometimes a match is decided by just one incident).

Improvement with each match

For Vĩ Hào personally, he went from being a "supporting player" in the Vietnam U.23 team to a key player in the national team in just 6 months.

In 2023, no one progressed as dramatically as Vi Hao. The 21-year-old striker also secured a starting spot for Binh Duong from 2022. Over the past two years, Vi Hao has played 72 matches in the V-League. No other U.21 player has played more matches in the same period.

From a player criticized for his physical strength and tackling ability to becoming a key player for the Vietnamese national team, Vi Hao has made remarkable efforts. In his first AFF Cup appearance at the age of 21, it's difficult to expect him to perform any better.

Remember, finding shining stars in the national team at the age of 21 like Quang Hai, Dinh Trong, Xuan Truong... is very difficult. Each player has a unique development cycle, but the common point is that they all need lessons to mature.

After the disappointing match at Jalan Besar, Vi Hao was instructed by the coaching staff to adjust his aim. In the return match, the striker born in 2003 may showcase a new look. Or maybe... not. But Vi Hao will contribute to the team's play in one way or another.

What fans should do is be tolerant of young players. No one becomes a successful person without making mistakes. Because football is a mirror reflecting life, Vi Hao needs to be given more trust.

Watch the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 live and in its entirety onFPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bui-vi-hao-co-dang-bi-chi-trich-185241227183250929.htm