Cong Phuong’s substitute voices to get the main slot of Cong Phuong?

In the 2020 season, Ho Chi Minh registered four strikers, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Xuan Nam, Amido Balde and Alexandre Lima. In particular, the two strikers being trusted by coach Chung Hae-seong are Cong Phuong (21) and Balde (99).

However, Nguyen Xuan Nam was the 'hero' of HCMC FC in the first two matches. The Hai Duong-born striker scored 3 goals against Quang Nam and Thanh Hoa. This achievement also helped Xuan Nam lead the list of 'Top Scorer' of V.League 2020.

In 2020, Xuan Nam scored all 5 goals when he came from the bench in the second half. That is why the striker wearing the number 11 shirt was dubbed the 'Super substitute’ of Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking after the victory over Thanh Hoa, Nguyen Xuan Nam admitted he was happy to have the nickname 'Super substitute’. However, the 26-year-old striker confirmed that he wanted to be named in the official squad.

Xuan Nam shared: "I am happy that Ho Chi Minh City won. I am also very happy to be given the nickname 'Super substitute’. However, every player is striving for the main team. I also want to be tapped.”

Coach Chung Hae-seong revealed he was very happy to own a forward like Xuan Nam. However, the claim to start in the match will definitely cause a headache for the Korean leader.

Because if naming Van Nam on the official squad, coach Chung Hae-seong will have to eliminate 1 of 2 strikers, Cong Phuong or Amido Balde. In particular, Park's 'best friend' will take advantage of foreign troops only by replacing Balde with Alexandre Lima.

Therefore, coach Chung Hae-seong will have to put Cong Phuong on the bench, if he wants to play Nguyen Xuan Nam. The Vietnam striker had a boom period at the beginning of the season, but Cong Phuong couldn’t score in the last 3 matches against Laos Toyota, Quang Nam and Thanh Hoa.​