Cong Phuong's decision
Up to now, Cong Phuong has played professionally for 10 years. Binh Phuoc Club is the 7th team that this player has joined.
But compared to Mito Hollyhock, Yokohama FC (Japan), Sint Truidense (Belgium), Incheon United (Korea) or Ho Chi Minh City, Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Binh Phuoc is a club that is rated lower.
In fact, Cong Phuong used to play in the First Division, but that was when he played in Japan. Remember, J.League 2 in terms of scale and position is even bigger than V.League.
The clearest proof is that Cong Phuong only played 5 matches in this league, including 2 times in Japan playing for Yokohama FC and Mito Hollyhock. Meanwhile, in V.League, with only 1 season playing for Hoang Anh Gia Lai, the number of appearances of the 29-year-old striker was 5 times higher.
Returning to the story of playing for Binh Phuoc in the National First Division, objectively speaking, Cong Phuong actually did not have more than one choice. At the time he left Yokohama FC, the V.League had closed the domestic player transfer window. This meant that even if he wanted to return home, Cong Phuong would only be eligible to play in the First Division.
One step back, three steps forward?
Objectively, Cong Phuong's return to Vietnam to play football is a step back in his career. In his third attempt to play abroad, the striker born in 1995 still could not confirm his ability. It is worth mentioning that after returning home, Cong Phuong's destination was only the First Division.
However, this is the most reasonable choice at this time. Going to Binh Phuoc to play football not only helps Cong Phuong get a contract with a generous signing bonus, but also opens the door for him to play regularly.
At Binh Phuoc club in particular and the First Division in general, Cong Phuong is considered the number 1 star. Coach Nguyen Anh Duc and CEO Yusuke Adachi both have high hopes for the ability and appeal of the 29-year-old striker.
In addition to regaining the opportunity to play that was lost at Yokohama FC, Cong Phuong has reason to believe in unlocking his scoring efficiency.
Remember, in the two previous unsuccessful trips abroad, Cong Phuong "revived" when he returned to Vietnam. In 2017 and 2018, the Nghe An striker scored a total of 19 goals in V.League for Hoang Anh Gia Lai, after parting ways with Mito Hollyhock.
From 2020 to 2022, Cong Phuong also maintained a frequency of 5-6 goals/season, after a difficult time playing for Incheon United and Sint Truidense.
In this third return home, Cong Phuong only plays in the First Division. Therefore, Cong Phuong scoring again, even becoming the "Top scorer" of the tournament is also within expectations.
Looking at the way Dinh Bac - the top star of the First Division 2 years ago - is struggling through each match in the V.League, it is enough to see the difference in class between the two divisions of Vietnam.
Above all, Cong Phuong must prove his ability in the eyes of coach Kim Sang-sik, with the hope of returning to the Vietnam national team. And being able to play regularly and score consistently in the First Division is also a way for him to send a message to the Korean strategist.
