Cong Phuong’s cousin: 'I don't rely on my cousin's popularity'

At Hoang Anh Gia Lai youth team at the present time, Cong Phuong cousin Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong is one of the most outstanding players of the Mountain team. Quoc Cuong plays the same level of football with his brother in his hometown with intelligent, technical and effective style.

Despite being mentioned a lot next to his cousin, Quoc Cuong affirmed that he did not want to "rely" on Cong Phuong in the development of talent: "Phuong and I often call and talk to each other, he told me to try harder to improve."

"I myself am also aware that I cannot rely on the reputation of Phuong, but I must strive for the career I have chosen. In addition, in the Vietnamese team, I especially admire Tuan Anh. In the world, I love Messi the most.”

Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, 16, is the youngest member of the 4th class of HAGL JMG Academy. However, he is highly appreciated by the coach and the coaching staff. The director of the JMG Global Academy Vincent Dufour has praised Cuong since the first tests.

At U19 national cup 2020, Quoc Cuong was named in the HAGL U19 and played very impressively, contributing to the achievement of runner-up of the tournament (losing to PV19 U19). Unlike his cousin Cong Phuong, Quoc Cuong plays in the midfield position. He has a smart, confident playing style at the age of 16.