Can Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham), whose form has declined, achieve double-digit goals for nine consecutive years?
Tottenham will face Southampton in the 31st round of the 2024-25 Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, at 10 p.m. (Korea time) on the 6th. With 34 points, Tottenham has fallen to 16th place in the league.
Tottenham has struggled recently with 1 draw and 3 losses in their last four league matches. They lost 0-1 to Manchester City, where Son Heung-min was not included in the starting lineup. They drew 2-2 with Bournemouth, where Son Heung-min scored the equalizer. They then consecutively lost to Fulham (0-2) and Chelsea (0-1).
This season, Son Heung-min has scored 7 goals and provided 9 assists. While his performance remains impressive, it is somewhat lacking compared to his usual standards. Son Heung-min has scored the fewest goals since his debut season with Tottenham in 2015-16, when he recorded 4 goals.
Having established himself as a star for Tottenham, Son Heung-min was unstoppable. He exploded with 14 goals in the 2016-17 season and recorded double-digit goals for eight consecutive years thereafter. Notably, he scored 17 goals in the 2020-21 season and 23 goals in the 2021-22 season, sharing the top scorer title with Mohamed Salah. He was the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot.
Son Heung-min showcased his talent again in the 2023-24 season, scoring 17 goals. However, this season, his scoring has abruptly dropped to 7 goals. Despite many matches remaining, there are concerns that Son Heung-min may end the season without reaching 10 goals. The British media are sharpening their criticism, suggesting that this is evidence of Son Heung-min's decline.
In the two A-match friendlies last March, Son Heung-min also failed to shine. South Korea drew both matches at home against Oman (1-1) and Jordan (1-1). Son Heung-min displayed an uncharacteristically poor performance. Although Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Jae-sung scored the opener, they failed to maintain the lead and ended in draws.
As Son Heung-min's slump continues, criticism has emerged in Japan as well. The Japanese outlet Football Channel noted, "Son Heung-min has only scored 1 goal from open play in 14 matches. This match proves that his slump is not temporary. In the match against Chelsea, Son Heung-min also started but could not prevent the team's defeat. He missed crucial opportunities at decisive moments."
It was further pointed out, "Son Heung-min's last goal from open play dates back to January 15 against Arsenal. Although he has scored 7 goals and provided 9 assists, most of his attacking points have come in the first half of the season. Son Heung-min's attempts to break through defenses have significantly decreased, and he has also had few crosses and shots. His attacking motivation has clearly diminished."
If this continues, Son Heung-min will bear the responsibility for Tottenham's decline. It is impossible to avoid the critique that he is in a downward trend past his prime. Can Son Heung-min make a comeback?
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