The article by John Duerden said Korean fans are going to get a glimpse of more Vietnamese talent this coming season as Incheon has signed an even bigger Vietnamese star in the shape of Nguyen Cong Phuong.

Korean Times likens Cong Phuong (C) to “Lionel Messi of Vietnam”.

The 24-year-old striker has played more than 30 matches for the Vietnamese national team, which is led by Park Hang-seo, one of the recognizable figures in Korean soccer, it said.

“Phuong has been likened to a certain Lionel Messi due to his liking and talent for running at defenders and then dancing past them. He also has an eye for goals, both scoring and creating them”, the article noted.

“Another graduate of the soccer academy set up by Vietnamese club Hoang Anh Gia Lai and London giant Arsenal, Phuong is fairly small and is going to be targeted by some of the K-League's rougher defenders. He is good enough to deal with this”, it stressed.

The article said it is hoped that Phuong will be given the support that he needs on and off the field to adapt to Korean life and culture, adding that Phuong would also need some faith from coaches and teammates in Incheon.

“It is time for another Southeast Asian star in Korea, after the exploits of Thailand's Piyapong Pue-on in the 1980s, and there is no better time and player than now and Nguyen Cong Phuong”, it said.

Vietnamese player ranks among Asia’s top 15 footballers

 Vietnamese national football team’s player Nguyen Quang Hai has been named one of the top 15 best footballers in Asia in 2018 following a vote by Fox Sports Asia and Titan Sports.

 

No rest for Vietnamese football stars

After an incredible 2018, Vietnam’s footballers are set for another busy year with three key international tournaments. The first is the final round of the Asian Cup which will kick off on January 5 in the United Arab Emirates.

 

First football tourney for disadvantaged children slated for 2019

The first football tournament for disadvantaged children nationwide is set to take place in 2019, heard a press briefing in Hanoi on December 26.

 

Prime Minister: Football inspires patriotism, national pride

Football has inspired patriotism and national pride, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on December 21 when hosting the national football team and head coach Park Hang-seo who have just won the trophy of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018.

 

Vietnamese outstanding footballers in 2018 honoured

Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung won the Vietnam Golden Ball award during a ceremony honoring Vietnam’s Best Players in 2018 was held in Ho Chi Minh City on December 22.

 

Source: VNA