Hoàng Anh Gia Lai now find themselves with a surprising surplus of promising defensive players, while their attacking lineup has diminished. — Photo VPF

Football

GIA LAI — Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL), a team known for producing numerous attacking stars in recent years, now find themselves with a surprising surplus of promising defensive players, while their attacking lineup has diminished.

The departure of young striker Nguyễn Quốc Việt to Ninh Bình Club has left HAGL with a scarcity of attacking talent.

Prior to Việt's exit, striker Đinh Thanh Bình also transferred to Ninh Bình. Adding attacking midfielder Nguyễn Đức Việt to this list, who also joined Ninh Bình, highlights the significant turnover of once-promising offensive players from HAGL.

This shift is particularly striking for a club that have historically been renowned for their attacking prowess, especially with talents like Công Phượng, Văn Toàn, Tuấn Anh and Xuân Trường, all being nurtured under the leadership of chairman Đoàn Nguyên Đức.

Since the establishment of the HAGL JMG Football Academy in 2007, the focus has been on developing attacking players, often neglecting defensive training. This resulted in a consistently vulnerable defence line up when players like Công Phượng and Văn Toàn transitioned to V.League 1 in the 2015 season.

However, the current landscape at HAGL is markedly different. The team now boasts several promising defenders, including 21-year-old goalkeeper Trần Trung Kiên, who recently received a call-up to the national team for a friendly match against India.

HAGL have also strengthened their defensive lineup with young central defenders Phạm Lý Đức (21 years old, 1.82 m) and Nguyễn Văn Triệu (21 years old, 1.88 m), as well as fullback Phan Du Học (23 years old, 1.72 m). Đức and Học have secured regular starting positions in the 2024-25 V.League 1 season, while Nguyễn Văn Triệu, despite not yet being a regular starter, shows potential due to his impressive physique.

Additionally, HAGL feature 24-year-old fullback Dụng Quang Nho, a former member of the Vietnamese U23 team, who is currently regarded as one of the best fullbacks in V.League 1.

The depletion of attackers, while gaining promising defenders reflects a significant shift in HAGL’s strategic approach. This evolution encompasses not only a change in playing style but also a rethinking of youth training methodologies.

The results of this transformation are evident in HAGL's performance during the first four matches of the 2024-25 V.League 1 season, where they have conceded just one goal. — VNS