Do Duy Manh needs to be more 'cold'.

Holding our breath again because of Mạnh's harsh tone.

The foul on Bounphachan Bounkong that resulted in a penalty for Vietnam and a late goal conceded against Laos (on the evening of December 9th) marked the third time in his time with the national team that Duy Manh was responsible for a penalty being awarded against his team.

Duy Mạnh needs to control his tackles better.

During the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, the 1996-born center-back caused Vietnam to concede penalties against Saudi Arabia and Oman (in this match, Duy Mạnh's arm swinging directly at the face of an opposing striker was criticized).

However, the foul on Bounkong in the 89th minute of the match against Laos at the 2024 AFF Cup was not a mistake by Duy Mạnh. He was simply engaging in a 50/50 challenge with his opponent; whoever was quicker on their feet won.

In a situation where the ball was hovering at the edge of the Vietnamese penalty area, the 28-year-old center-back rushed out and stomped directly on the opponent's ankle with the sole of his boot. Duy Mạnh's intention was to cut the ball with his foot. However, because the Laotian player's pass was a swirling ball, Duy Mạnh misjudged the ball's trajectory. The Vietnamese captain's powerful kick struck the opponent's leg, very close to the ankle. Duy Mạnh was fortunate to avoid a yellow card as VAR determined it was purely a reckless challenge, but it serves as a warning to the player currently playing for Hanoi FC.

Even though Vietnam was leading 4-0 and Laos wasn't putting any pressure on them, Duy Manh still had a risky collision. If the opponent had been more cunning and deliberately put their foot down to touch the ball, the Vietnamese captain could have received a red card. The Laotian team doesn't have players like that, but Indonesia or Myanmar are different.

The downside of an aggressive style of play.

Duy Mạnh's professional class has been recognized after 8 years playing for the Vietnamese national team. He possesses excellent tackling ability, tight man-marking, and persistent tackling and chasing down opponents. The peak of the Vietnamese national team under coach Park Hang-seo was closely associated with the duo of Duy Mạnh and Đình Trọng, with Duy Mạnh competing for the ball while Đình Trọng dropped deeper to read situations and provide cover. Every team needs a player as brave and dedicated as Duy Mạnh.

However, the downside of this style of play is the risk of fouls. Against more cunning and shrewd opponents, even the smallest mistake in a challenge risks being exploited. With VAR now in place at the AFF Cup, don't expect to fool the referee in any play.

Center-backs must be very careful with every ball and think carefully before deciding to make a tackle. Good situational awareness to gain an advantage and make less risky tackles should be the top priority for the Vietnamese national team's center-backs . Tackling should only be a last resort, when defenders have exhausted all other options. With the captain's armband, Duy Mạnh must be well aware of this. The 28-year-old center-back not only represents the national team but also has to inspire and motivate the players. A defense cannot be solid if the captain lacks a "cool" head.

In the match against Indonesia on December 15th, Duy Mạnh will face Rafael Struick, Marselino Ferdinand, and Asnawi Mangkualam, all of whom are quick and skillful attackers. Duy Mạnh needs to remain calm and composed, just as he did during the entire 2023-2024 season without receiving a single yellow card.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/do-duy-manh-phai-biet-lanh-hon-185241210211413161.htm