Malaysian newspaper warns their team about Xuân Son's 'devastating' form

The remarkable display by the Nam Định forward versus Lion City has caused Malaysian media to be wary before the next clash with Vietnam's national team.

Thép Xanh Nam Định's 3-0 victory over Lion City Sailors in the final round of Group B at the ASEAN Club Championship created a significant buzz in the region. Notably, Nguyễn Xuân Son scored twice, directly helping the Nam Định team secure an early spot in the semifinals. This performance immediately caught the attention of Malaysian media.

Following that result, MakanBola expressed clear caution towards the 1997-born striker ahead of the Vietnam national team's Asian Cup qualifier match on March 31. The Malaysian press assessed Xuân Son is currently in excellent form, maintaining a consistent scoring rate and has the ability to make a difference in crucial matches, especially when playing on his familiar home ground at Thiên Trường.

Besides impressing with his goals, Xuân Son is also regarded as a complete striker. He frequently moves widely to stretch the defensive line, actively participates in short passing combinations, and willingly drops back to act as a wall for the second line. This forces opponents to assign additional markers, often leaving gaps in the midfield area.

In the match against Lion City Sailors, Nam Định controlled the game well and capitalized effectively on moments when the opposition pushed forward. Xuân Son demonstrated sharp positional awareness, clean ball control in tight spaces, and composed finishing in critical situations. His brace came from timely runs inside the box, reflecting his refined playing style.

The fact that the forthcoming encounter with coach Kim Sang Sik's squad will likely take place at Thiên Trường Stadium makes Malaysian media even more cautious. The home advantage, the passionate support from fans, and Xuân Son's excellent form are seen as factors that could create a difference. In this context, the Malaysian national team faces a real challenge in finding an answer to the "explosive" player currently in top form for Vietnamese football.

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