Cong Phuong is still worth watching.

Due to injuries to Bui Vi Hao and Van Toan, coach Kim Sang Sik was forced to recall Cong Phuong, and this is an opportunity for him to prove that he is still useful to the Vietnamese national team.

The last time Cong Phuong wore the Vietnamese national team jersey was in September 2023. He scored the opening goal, helping the team win 2-0 against Palestine in an international friendly match at Thien Truong Stadium.

In March 2024, Cong Phuong was again called up by coach Philippe Troussier to prepare for the match against Indonesia, the first leg of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, at that time, the striker born in 1995 suffered a recurrence of his ankle injury and had to take time off for treatment and recovery.

Since then, Cong Phuong has lost his place in the national team. He has also focused on striving to play regularly for Yokohama FC (Japan).

Cong Phuong returns to the Vietnamese national team after more than a year's absence. Photo: Tam Minh

The turning point came when Binh Phuoc Club successfully brought Cong Phuong back to Vietnam to play in the First Division 2024/25. He once again became a hot topic in the media and on social networks.

The immense popularity of Cong Phuong has even led the current head coach, Kim Sang-sik, to spend a lot of time attending matches and closely monitoring his performance.

Cong Phuong has somewhat lived up to public expectations. After spending time warming the bench in Japan, he made a triumphant return, making a significant contribution to helping Binh Phuoc Club secure the runner-up position in the First Division, thus qualifying for the playoff match to compete for a spot in the V.League next season.

After 18 rounds of the 2024/25 First Division League, Cong Phuong is leading the top scorer list with 7 goals, in addition to 4 assists. His contribution accounts for nearly 50% of Binh Phuoc Club's total goals this season.

And the reward for Cong Phuong was a first-time call-up to the Vietnamese national team under coach Kim Sang-sik. However, a careful analysis of the current situation reveals that Cong Phuong still has a long way to go to prove that he is still useful to the national team.

Coach Kim Sang Sik needs Cong Phuong to fill the void left by the injury crisis in the winger position. Photo: Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc FC

Of the 7 goals scored in the First Division, the number 70 striker of Binh Phuoc did not score against any of the top 5 teams. Specifically, the former HAGL striker scored against the following teams: Khanh Hoa (2 goals), Ba Ria Vung Tau (1 goal), Hue (1 goal), Hoa Binh (2 goals), and Dong Thap (1 goal). It is understood that Cong Phuong is not among the top choices of coach Kim Sang-sik, at least not in the winger role.

On the morning of May 22nd, the South Korean coach was still re-examining Van Toan's ( Nam Dinh FC) injury situation before deciding to announce the training camp roster. Previously, Bui Vi Hao was also confirmed to be out for a long period due to an ankle ligament injury.

Coach Kim Sang-sik's meticulous approach to selecting players suited to his playing style is familiar and has proven effective, as evidenced by Vietnam's victory in the 2024 ASEAN Cup, with new talents such as Nguyen Dinh Trieu, Doan Ngoc Tan, and Nguyen Hai Long.

At the age of 30, Cong Phuong doesn't have much time left at the peak of his form. Therefore, if he still has the desire to contribute to the national team, this is a valuable opportunity for the striker to prove himself.

Source: https://znews.vn/cong-phuong-van-con-dang-xem-post1555036.html