AFF Awards 2019: Quang Hai, Chanathip emerge as strongest candidates
(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam national team midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai will compete with Thai midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin for the ASEAN Football Federation’s “Player of the Year 2019” title.
 Quang Hai (L) and Chanathip. |
While Quang Hai shone with Hanoi FC in the AFC Cup and the national team, Chanathip played quite well in J-League club Consadole Sapporo, helping his club finish second at the Emperor's Cup.
However, Chanathip missed multiple matches this season due to injury. Worse still, Thailand was defeated at the knockout stage of the Asian Cup and finished 4th in the King’s Cup 2019.
Park Hang-seo and Tan Cheng Hoe will be the heavy candidates for the “AFF Coach of the Year” title.
Under Park Hang-seo, Vietnam advanced to the Asian Cup quarter-finals, became the runner-up at the King’s Cup, and currently ranks second in group G after three World Cup 2022 qualifiers. Park also played a crucial role in Vietnam’s advancement to the AFC U23 Championship 2020.
There was no nominee from Vietnam for the “AFF Young Player of the Year” title which defender Doan Van Hau won in 2017.
Quang Hai and goalkeeper Dang Van Lam will almost certainly be named in the AFF Best Lineup of the Year.