American expatriate Lee Nguyen, who struck a hat-trick in his first official match and the National Cup opener Sunday, is likely to be a harbinger for positive changes to come in Vietnamese football, say experts.

Speaking to Thanh Nien Monday, HAGL Technical Director Nguyen Van Vinh said, “It’s still too soon to conclude Nguyen will have a big influence like the Thai striker Kiatisuk at the club a few years ago. However, the Vietnamese American midfielder promises to bring interesting winds of change to the V-League this year with superb performances in his two matches, including a practice match.”

Vinh said Nguyen would need at least a season to fit in well with the team if he maintains consistent form and his team-mates know how to combine together. He believes Nguyen can overcome all the challenges that await him, as he was trained in an advanced footballing environment and has exceptional ball and strategic skills.

Nguyen Ngoc Vinh and Tran Van Thanh, who were respectively the referee supervisor and a match supervisor in HAGL’s 3-2 win over Saigon United in Pleiku Town on Sunday, noted that Nguyen had played skillfully and intelligently. He was good at positioning and always combined well with his team-mates. “He only used skills when it was really necessary, like in the penalty area or surrounded by rivals. He will be a big challenge for all defenders.”

Saigon United coach Van Sy Hung said, “Nguyen was the most important player in HAGL’s win over our team.”

Hung said it may be too soon to make conclusions but noted that Nguyen is a “perfect” player.

HAGL coach Dusit and Southeast Asia’s number one midfielder Daksakorn Thonglao of HAGL both praised Nguyen for his outstanding display.

Nguyen himself said he is happy to have worked well with his new teammates, but added he is not quite satisfied with his current form. He said he is at just 70 or 80 percent of his best form, and hopes to play better in coming days.

Nguyen has played four matches for the US team, and under FIFA regulations, he can’t play for Vietnam’s national team even if he is granted Vietnamese nationality.

Reported by Giang Lao