Will Cong Phuong 'dominate' the race?

Cong Phuong's resurgence

The goal against the Ho Chi Minh City youth team in the qualifying round of the 2024-2025 National Cup (in the match that took place yesterday afternoon, October 19th) was Nguyen Cong Phuong's "debut" gift to the Binh Phuoc audience. Although this was only a goal against a First Division representative in a cup competition, for Cong Phuong personally, the moment of scoring was still very important.

Nearly two years after leaving Vietnam to play in Japan, Cong Phuong has finally rediscovered his goal-scoring form for his club.

Cong Phuong celebrates his first goal for Binh Phuoc Club.

PHOTO: BINH PHUOC CLUB

After reaching an agreement to terminate his contract with Yokohama FC, Công Phượng's return to the First Division was seen as a step backward in terms of competitive environment. The 29-year-old striker left J-League 2 to play in a league one level below V-League in terms of quality. However, perhaps only Công Phượng understands the significance of this move to Bình Phước, as in just two or three years, he will be entering the twilight of his career.

For the Bình Phước striker, playing is the most important thing right now. As soon as he returned to Vietnam, Công Phượng's physical fitness was prioritized by the coaching staff. Off-ball exercises to help the 29-year-old regain his stamina and running rhythm were a top priority for the coaching staff, which included many Japanese experts.

In the match against Ho Chi Minh City's youth team on the afternoon of October 19th, Cong Phuong played energetically and aggressively, moving diligently to coordinate with teammates, and creating many breakthroughs with his dribbling. Although Cong Phuong needs time to regain the impressive form he displayed in 2020-2021 when he was the main striker for Ho Chi Minh City and HAGL, regaining his confidence remains the most important thing at this point.

Cong Phuong needs time to get back into form. But soon, once he recovers his fitness and feel for the game, the striker born in 1995 will be a formidable force.

The competition for the top scorer title.

With his consistent goal-scoring performance in Vietnam (29 goals in 64 matches, averaging 0.45 goals per game) and superior experience at the highest level, Cong Phuong is the number one candidate for the top scorer title in the 2024-2025 First Division.

Cong Phuong is supported by many quality teammates.

PHOTO: BINH PHUOC CLUB

Competing with Cong Phuong for goals in the First Division is another attacking star, Nguyen Hoang Duc. However, compared to his national team teammate, Cong Phuong has an advantage.

He is often positioned as a main striker, actively approaching the penalty area and taking shots. The 29-year-old striker's ability to shoot well with both feet and his long-range shooting have consistently brought him a minimum of 6 goals per season (in the V-League) from 2018 to the present.

In the First Division, a disadvantage for strikers like Cong Phuong is the lack of foreign players to act as shields and make runs to "open the way." However, the 1995-born striker doesn't have to face foreign central defenders who are superior in physique and strength. With the First Division mainly consisting of young clubs and players, the experience Cong Phuong has accumulated over the years playing in various football leagues will be put to good use.

According to statistics from the last 7 seasons, to win the top scorer title, Cong Phuong and other strikers need to score between 10 and 15 goals. In the last two seasons, top scorers like Bui Van Binh ( Ba Ria - Vung Tau ) and Nguyen Thanh Nhan (PVF-CAND) only scored 11 and 10 goals respectively. Notably, in the 2017 and 2021 seasons, the top scorer only scored... 5 goals (in the 2021 season, the season was canceled midway).

However, this season, with teams like Binh Phuoc and Ninh Binh having revamped their attacking lineups, and PVF-CAND having gained more experience after several seasons, players wanting to become top scorers will probably need a minimum of 15 goals.

This is also the figure that Cong Phuong is expected to achieve, if placed in the right position. The 29-year-old striker needs a boost after difficult years.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vua-pha-luoi-giai-hang-nhat-cong-phuong-thong-tri-duong-dua-185241019100806658.htm