Football

 

HÀ NỘI — In-form Việt Nam striker Nguyễn Đình Bắc is seeing his market value surge after an AFC U23 Asian Cup performance that has set tongues wagging across the football world.

The player’s value is currently listed at 300,000 euros (US$350,000) on Transfermarkt and many pundits say it could rise to 500,000 euros within the next two weeks.

Bắc has been the standout player for Việt Nam and one of the most talked-about figures of the entire tournament in the group stage.

He has scored two goals, including a world-class strike that eliminated Saudi Arabia from the tournament on January 12.

His form played a key role in helping Việt Nam win all three group matches and qualify for the quarter-finals as Group A winners.

Jordan head coach Omar Najhi and his team were among the victims of the 21-year-old, suffering a 2-0 defeat on January 6.

He said Việt Nam had made rapid progress in recent times with a modern playing style and several outstanding individuals. He was “strongly impressed with the No.7 player (Bắc) who is fast, technically skilled and has the ability to make a difference”.

Bắc has also earned praise from numerous media outlets, the tournament’s official website and FIFA for his fighting spirit, confidence, speed and precise finishing.

The AFC released a clip of Bắc’s goal against Saudi Arabia with the caption 'Call his name and Nguyễn Đình Bắc delivers' to honour the player, who has been dubbed "a perfect Joker” by South Korean outlet News1.

 

Coach Mano Polking of Hà Nội Police FC, who named him “the next big star of Việt Nam,” hailed Nguyễn Đình Bắc as a “treasure” after the match against Saudi Arabia.

Polking said Bắc was an almost perfect player thanks to his physical advantages, speed and hard-working attitude, particularly under the leadership of Kim Sang-sik, who has optimised the striker’s abilities on the national team.

Meanwhile, former national coach Philippe Troussier said Bắc possessed a very strong personality and natural leadership qualities. He did not shy away from responsibility, always brought positive energy to the team and constantly sought ways to elevate his teammates.

He added that Bắc was a modern type of player, willing to support the defence before quickly transitioning into attack. His physique was ideally suited to the demands of modern football: tall, strong, fast and durable. VNS