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The criticism against Son Heung-min (32, Tottenham) crossed the line.
Tottenham drew 1-1 in the first round of the English Premier League (EPL) away game against Leicester City in 2024-2025 at King Power Stadium in Leicester, England on the 20th (Korea time). Tottenham led with Pedro Porro's header in the 29th minute of the first half, but failed to score three points by allowing Leicester City's legendary striker Jamie Vardy to equalize in the 12th minute of the second half.
In the first game of his 10th season after entering the EPL, Son started on the left wing on the day. Tottenham recruited Dominic Solanke, who scored 19 goals last season, for the highest transfer fee (£65 million, about 113.3 billion won) in the club's history this summer. It is the frontline resource that Harry Kane was finally recruited after leaving for Bayern Munich last summer. Tottenham used a 'nail' tactic that used Son Heung-min as the front line last season due to Hishalisson's injury and sluggishness. Son Heung-min scored 17 goals, but as time went by, he seemed to have gained strength from his position as a striker.
Prior to the game, Tottenham manager Enze Postecoglou said, `We had to use Son in the middle because of his frequent injuries last season"It doesn't mean Son can't play in the center all season, but when Son is on the left, we are a much better team. This is where we wanted to improve."
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Expectations were higher than ever. Son Heung-min has been impressive since the pre-season. He prepared for the pre-season completely without an international tournament for the first time in a long time, and scored three goals. In particular, Son Heung-min was strong against Leicester City. Son Heung-min scored nine goals and four assists against Leicester City on the EPL stage and scored 13 offensive points. Son Heung-min is the team with the most offensive points after Southampton (10 goals-5 assists).
However, it did not meet expectations. It was regrettable that the left-footed cross from the right side in the 8th minute of the first half did not lead to a goal. Solanke's header unfortunately headed in front of the goalkeeper. The most brilliant part of the day was that the first goal started with Son Heung-min. Son Heung-min played 91 minutes, making 63 touches. He made four dribbles, two key passes and one cross, but only one shot. There was no shot on target. He seemed to focus on linking the ball rather than trying to break through or shoot.
Son Heung-min's performance against Leicester City was mixed. Football London gave Son a rating of five. Football London had bright moments, sending a cross to Solanke at the beginning, but not enough as captain. He evaluated that it disappeared as the game progressed. 90 min gave a rating of 6 and criticized 'I missed some golden chances with a clumsy touch' However, the story was different in mechanical ratings. European soccer statistics site Huscoordcom gave Son a 7.2 rating after the game. It was the third highest score after Porro (7.7 points) and Solanke (7.4 points), who scored the first goal.
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It was the first game now, and the atmosphere was weird. Articles with critical tones poured out against Son Heung-min as if determined. Football365 said 'What surprised us the most was the other starter in Tottenham's attacking trio. Son's career is not on an upward trajectory. He was a great player at Tottenham, but I think he needs a past tense. Then 'Son Heung-min is no longer considered irreplaceable. That has to change. Son Heung-min is one of several options. He no longer deserves a starting position against every opponent in every situation. There are no questions raised here,' he said, drawing harsh criticism.
Football365 said 'It's not just because Son Heung-min didn't do well in the opening game. Son Heung-min scored 17 goals last season, but almost half of them came in the first 10 games. At this time, Tottenham was playing a fantastic game as if they were going to win. Son has scored just five goals in 15 matches since the Asian Cup. He has scored two goals and two assists in his last 10 Premier League games, 'Football changes quickly. A week ago, a crazy person would say that we should exclude Son Heung-min and put Wilson O'Dowbert. But I can't deny it now. We have to push ahead. I must admit it.
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Another media outlet 'HITC' started to hit Son Heung-min through the mouth of Craig Burley from the Scotland national team and Chelsea. Burley"Tottenham found Leicester too easy. I got that feeling in the pass and finish. The offense, including Son Heung-min and Madison, did. He seemed to think he could never lose. I looked down on my opponent and let my guard down. This is what big clubs do." Then "Tottenham's attitude was the arrogance of "An additional goal will be scored " If there is a wrong pass, one of the players should say 'It's not enough, so you have to try harder' I was embarrassed."
On top of that, Jamie O'Hara, a Tottenham native who is now a broadcaster, also criticized Son Heung-min. "Son Heung-min did not perform well enough in the second half," O'Hara said. It was disappointing. We had to finish the opponent in the first half"Son Heung-min should have been taken out in the first half."," he stressed.
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Son's career has been a series of proofs. Despite always performing at the highest level, he always struggled with doubts. Son Heung-min has always overcome this. Son Heung-min will play his second game of the season and home opener against Everton at 11 p.m. on the 24th. I hope to put all the criticism to rest with a great goal.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
