It’s not even been a year since Son Heung Min signed with Tottenham Hotspur for 22 million pounds and there are already rumours that he might be exiting. Although he started the season brightly, an injury in the first half of the season meant he was competing with players like Lamela, Kane and Alli who all found form in his absence. Spurs were the team to beat all season, best defensive record, and were proving to be real title contenders. However, it fizzled out towards the end and perhaps even more embarrassingly, they lost the runners up spot to North London rivals Arsenal.
You could see why Mauricio Pochettino was eager to have Son at Spurs. He was detrimental to Bayer Leverkusen securing the fourth spot in two consecutive campaigns with 21 goals and 6 assists over the two seasons he was there. He also brought versatility as he looked comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder or out in front. Apart from his adaptability, he’s lively and energetic as he showed on numerous occasions during the course of the season. A problem that’s encountered by many mangers when a player is as versatile as Son is that they often can’t work out what his best position is. As a result he isn’t able to make much of an impact. This played a part in the struggles of Son.
If you compare his statistics with the likes of Lamela, Chadli, Eriken, and Alli, it isn’t a good read for the South Korean. He scored just 4 goals in the league, one more than last placed Chadli. In terms of chances created, he created the least with 18, almost a hundred less than first place Eriksen. In terms of assists and key passes he was in last position too, with 1 and 17 respectively. He did however lift Spurs in crucial moments. His two goals in the Europa League against Qarabag were crucial. They also came at a time when Harry Kane had been struggling. He looked impressive in the 4-1 win against Man City as well as when he came on in the 3-0 win over Man United.
It’s a bit unfair that he has to “justify” his price tag, something the media and the pundits keep referring to in regards to other players as well. He didn’t ask for that much money neither did he have any say in the transfer fee. The Premier League is a very tough league to adjust to especially when you come from a slightly less competitive league like the Bundesliga. The physicality of the league as well as the speed at which the game is played makes it difficult for foreign players. Apart from his, he’s also just 23 years old. He needs to be given a bit of time which Spurs should give him. He’s already showed in flashes that he’s a skilful player who has what it takes to succeed.
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