Does Cong Phuong deserve a spot in the AFF Cup squad?

The move from Yokohama FC in J-League 2 to Binh Phuoc FC (First Division) is a step backward in terms of playing environment for Cong Phuong. Clearly, compared to the Japanese national league, Vietnamese football is still a long way behind. Furthermore, the First Division, with its limited number of teams, lack of foreign players, and low level of competition, is a significant obstacle for Phuong. The difficulty for the 1995-born striker is that his contract with Yokohama ended after the V-League player registration deadline. His only option is to play in the First Division if he wants to return to Vietnam.

However, at this point, Cong Phuong is benefiting from his decision to play for Binh Phuoc FC. He has been given regular playing opportunities (5 starts since the beginning of the season) to regain his match fitness and improve his physical condition, and has been assigned the role of "leading" in the attack by coach Nguyen Anh Duc. In return, Phuong has scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist, contributing to more than half of Binh Phuoc's goals after 4 matches in the First Division.

Cong Phuong has scored 3 goals for Binh Phuoc Club in the First Division.

PHOTO: BINH PHUOC CLUB

Although he hasn't yet returned to his peak, the skills that once defined Cong Phuong's career remain. His long-range shot against Khanh Hoa FC, or the perfectly placed corner kick that led to Tu Nhan's header against Ba Ria-Vung Tau, showcase the former HAGL striker's strengths: powerful shots, dribbling and acceleration, sharpness in the penalty area, and a determination to prove himself.

Cong Phuong shone at a crucial time when the Vietnamese national team lacked skilled strikers. Coach Kim Sang-sik experimented with many forwards in the three previous training camps, but only Tien Linh and Vi Hao performed well; Tuan Hai and Van Toan were plagued by injuries; Thanh Binh and Van Tung haven't proven themselves much. Vietnam's attack is very thin, requiring Coach Kim to "sift through the sand to find gold" to find more quality players. Phuong meets the requirements, possessing a solid foundation of experience, adaptability, and a strong desire to compete.

Over the past year, Cong Phuong has only been called up to the Vietnamese national team once, during the September 2023 training camp, because he didn't get any playing time in Yokohama. However, now that his match fitness has returned, the 29-year-old striker could turn things around and return to the national team.

Commentator Vu Quang Huy shared: “Cong Phuong has experience and class, along with an exemplary lifestyle. Returning to Binh Phuoc Club, he is performing well and his form remains good. Given the Vietnamese national team's lack of skilled strikers, at least Cong Phuong deserves to go to South Korea for training, and then his selection will depend on his performance.”

Expert Doan Minh Xuong commented: “Currently, although Cong Phuong fully deserves to be called up to the Vietnamese national team and participate in the 2024 AFF Cup, his playing style may not fit the tactical system and playing style of coach Kim Sang-sik. First, Mr. Kim wants to rejuvenate the squad, and Cong Phuong is no longer young. Second, Coach Kim Sang-sik needs a strong center forward or wing forwards with good speed and breakthrough ability. Cong Phuong doesn't have the forte of playing as a center forward, nor is he the type to penetrate from the wing. At Binh Phuoc Club, Cong Phuong plays a role in leading the play, a role that the Vietnamese national team already has Hoang Duc and Quang Hai in.”

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cong-phuong-xung-dang-co-suat-o-aff-cup-185241117211137982.htm