Joining Seoul E-Land with the expectation of becoming a Vietnamese player who leaves a deep impression when going abroad, in the end Van Toan had to turn back soon. For the Korean team, Van Toan only played 9 matches (total 388 minutes), of which only 4 were main matches. In the early stages, coach Park Choong-kyun continuously placed his trust in him, but after a long period of time off due to injury, when he returned, the Hai Duong striker was “ignored”.
“Trident” Van Toan – Hendrio and Rafaelson. Photo: VPF.
Not only was he “ignored” about his opportunity to play, Van Toan also had to face terrible pressure and was mentally stressed. Differences in culture, different football styles, and language… have become a barrier that is not easy to overcome for Van Toan. This player once shared that, outside of football, he is almost alone with a few books. There are many times when he longs to “speak Vietnamese” because at that time it feels like he can “live” himself again.
Anticipating a bleak future at Seoul E-Land Club, Van Toan decided to return home in mid-September. Very soon after that, he signed a 3-year contract with Nam Dinh Green Steel. According to the revelation, the former HAGL player received a bribe of up to 20 billion VND for 3 years with a salary of about 100 million VND/month. Calculated, each month Van Toan pocketed about 517 million VND. That’s not to mention bonuses based on the team’s performance at the fronts.
With the above remuneration regime, Van Toan joins the top of the highest-paid players in Vietnam. This also met the financial wishes of the Hai Duong-born striker when he decided to leave Seoul E-Land Club to return to the V.League to compete.
Van Toan is showing his value in the Nam Dinh Blue Steel shirt. Photo: VPF.
Van Toan proves his value in the Nam Dinh Blue Steel shirt
At the beginning of the season, because he had not yet fully recovered from his injury, his physical strength had declined due to constantly being sidelined in Korea and he needed time to get used to new teammates and new tactics… so Van Toan has not contributed much to Nam Dinh Green Steel. 3 ceiling for the Nam team, he did not play the full 90 minutes and did not assist or score a goal.
However, since the goal against Hong Linh Ha Tinh in Nam Dinh Green Steel’s 4-2 victory at Ha Tinh Stadium, Van Toan has really shown his value. Together with Rafaelson and Hendrio, they have formed a “trident” that makes every defense in the V.League this season afraid. Although he only had 2 goals after 7/8 starting matches for Nam Dinh Green Steel, Van Toan’s contribution to the top position of the Nam team is huge.
Commenting on Van Toan’s performance in the Nam Dinh Blue Steel shirt, coach Vu Hong Viet said: “Van Toan is integrating well and is gradually bonding with his teammates. We must admit, before that Van Toan I haven’t had much time to practice with the team. But recently, he has gradually developed all his qualities. He is the top striker in Vietnam today.”