“Son Heung-min is a victim, end the one-two punch”… ‘wasted talent’ argument
“Kane’s role limited, best to return to left winger”
It has been suggested that Son Heung-min, 32, should return to his natural position as a left winger rather than a frontline striker.
“If Tottenham are to be genuine title contenders next season, they need to fix a number of things. One of these is the issue of Son Heung-min up top,” the report said.
“Tottenham have had a successful first season under manager Enze Postecoglou. However, a number of problems have emerged recently, and they need to end the tactic of playing Son up front.”
Tottenham suffered a heavy 0-4 away defeat to Newcastle in the 33rd round of the English Premier League (EPL) 2023-2024 season at St. James’ Park in Newcastle, England, on Wednesday (May 13). Tottenham, who are chasing a fourth-place finish that would qualify them for the UEFA Champions League (UCL), remain in fifth place with 60 points (D18, W6, L8).
Son Heung-min started up front in a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, manager Enze Postecoglou brought on the star striker in the 13th minute of the second half, trailing 0-3. In effect, he raised the white flag. Son was looking for his third 10-goal, 10-assist season in the league, but was substituted without any offensive points. He made one threatening out-front pass in the first half, but failed to get a single shot off. He was isolated in the middle of the park and had only 26 touches of the ball.
“Son Heung-min must have been humiliated to be substituted 13 minutes into the second half of the last game against Newcastle,” said TeamTalk, noting that “despite scoring 15 league goals this season, Son looked lost in the first team against Newcastle.”
“He uses clever moves to find space and run around. However, it was clear against Newcastle that he cannot make an impact when the defense drops back.”
He emphasized that Son should play in his natural position as a left winger, not as a frontline striker. “Heung-min didn’t have a single shot on target on the day. When he did get the ball, he struggled to do much more than drag other players down. This was Harry Kane’s role until last season. As a left winger, it’s a waste of talent to ask Son Heung-min to play like Kane for a team that drops back.”
In addition to Son, the team also has another top-notch resource in the form of the Frenchman. “There are plenty of alternatives,” says Team Talk, “as he has shown improvement as a frontline striker this season. He is injury prone, but he is more than capable of playing as Spurs’ number nine.”
This isn’t the first time the British public has criticized Son’s use as a striker. “Son Heung-min has done his job as a frontline striker whenever needed this season,” said Football London on March 15. But last Saturday, he struggled in the center of the field,” adding, “He had only 26 ball touches and not a single shot on goal. There were no forward dribbles.”
“Postecoglou tried to create passing options by bringing Son down when the other strikers were blocked. Heung-min’s backward play has improved over the years, but he’s not the type of striker to cut in behind. He gets more momentum when he’s going towards goal,” he explained.
“Postecoglou brought Son off in the 13th minute of the second half,” the outlet said, adding, “The Korean’s solemn expression when he was substituted said it all. The solemn expression on the Korean’s face when he was substituted says it all.”
Tottenham, meanwhile, hosts nemesis Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 28th. With six games left until the end of the league, most of their remaining opponents are tricky. They face title contenders Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, as well 토토사이트 as formidable opponents Chelsea, while Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday are also in the running for the title.
Son, who has 15 goals and nine assists in the league, is just one assist away from reaching 10 goals and 10 assists. After falling short against Newcastle, he’s back in the hunt. It will be interesting to see if Heung-min can reach 10 goals and 10 assists for the first time in three years. After scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists in the 2019-2020 season, Heung-min became the first Asian player to reach 10 goals and 10 assists in the EPL. He followed that up with 17 goals and 10 assists in the 2020-2021 season, his second consecutive 10-goal season.
If Son Heung-min can reach 10 goals and 10 assists again this season, he’ll have another significant milestone. Only five players have ever scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists in the EPL three or more times. Wayne Rooney (five times), Eric Cantona, Frank Lampard (at least four times), Mohamed Salah, and Didier Drogba (three times). It will be interesting to see if Son Heung-min can join them. With six games left in the league this season, Son’s third 10-goal, 10-assist season is well within reach.
Not only that, but he’ll also be looking for his first 20 goals and 10 assists of his career. Only 11 players in EPL history have accomplished this feat. Harry Kane, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, Sergio Aguero, Jürgen Klinsmann, Andy Cole, Luis Suarez, Alexis Sanchez, Salah, and Drogba. Son will need five goals, but it’s a tally that’s within reach if there’s a late-season surge.