Xuân Son: Desire to score is not enough

In the 3-0 victory over Bangladesh, Xuân Son entered the match with high expectations but did not score a goal. The striker of Nam Định Steel Club still lacked a bit of luck.

The effort of Xuân Son whenever given an opportunity cannot be denied. Against Bangladesh, he was brought onto the field at the start of the second half.

That was a time when the match situation was already settled, but also when Kim Sang Sik wanted to test additional attacking options.

Xuân Sonmoved widely, actively pressed, proactively sought space, and participated in combinations. However, the most important thing for a striker, the goal, still did not arrive.

Xuân Son could not meet Văn Khang's cross, followed by an effort to break through and shoot dangerously, sending the ball close to the post.

This is not the first time Xuân Son has been dim on the attack line this season. Looking back at his form this season, Xuân Son still struggles on his journey back to the top. From club to national team, Xuân Son's sharpness has not yet arrived.

The finishing shots are not yet cold enough and cause Xuân Son to lose much joy and satisfaction with himself. Currently, Xuân Son also must strive to compete for position, adapt to changes in the tactical scheme thatCoach Kim Sang Sikis building.

The addition of new faces like Hoàng Hên is also something Xuân Son may need to adjust to be both effective and in sync with his teammates.

From the perspective of Coach Kim Sang Sik,Xuân Sonis still a major brand difficult to replace. The issue with his student is just the luck, and the Korean teacher is striving to ignite the goal-scoring talent for Son.

The 29-year-old striker was brought onto the field in the second half not merely as a tactical substitution, but also as a way to "keep the fire" of spirit for a striker needing a goal to relieve pressure. Xuân Son promises to be more eager to prove himself in the meaningful match against Malaysia on March 31.

The problem for Xuân Son at this moment is not in effort, because the Nam Định shooter has plenty of that. Son may need more refinement, and more importantly, better connection with the satellites around him.

When the link with Hoàng Hên or Quang Hải, Hoàng Đức, Thành Long improves, scoring opportunities will come more often. Then, the "assassin" instinct may return if Son scores one goal.

Football always has cycles. Xuân Son is showing signs of stagnation but is always poised to explode back. The Vietnam national team greatly needs the desire and excitement of Son to make things happen in the near future.