There are now opinions suggesting that it may be time to seriously consider Son Heung-min's (33, Tottenham) bench start.
'Spurs Web', which primarily covers Tottenham Hotspur news, reported on the 10th (local time) that "Recently, there has been a heated debate among Tottenham fans regarding Son Heung-min's selection status."
Tottenham will play a crucial match against Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League on 11th at 4 a.m. local time in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ahead of this match, various opinions regarding the starting lineup have been raised among local fans and media.
Notably, the opinions advocating for the exclusion of captain Son Heung-min from the starting lineup have gained attention. Recent performances from young attacking players such as Wilson Odoeber and Brennan Johnson have drawn attention, leading to analysis that there may have been changes in Son Heung-min's standing.
'Spurs Web' reported various reactions from fans collected mainly from community forums and related social media, noting that "Opinions are divided on who should take a spot in the attack." It added that there is a heated debate over whether to start Johnson or Odoeber for the right wing position.
According to reports, some fans expressed desires such as, "I want to try the Matthis Tell-Johnson-Odoeber combination," "Start Dominic Solanke, Tell, and Odoeber, and use Son Heung-min as a substitute in the second half," and even claimed, "Odoeber must be a starter. It doesn't matter what position he plays." One fan even voiced, "Johnson on the right, Odoeber on the left. Son Heung-min should now be omitted from the lineup."
These opinions are not unrelated to the recent surge of Odoeber and Johnson. Odoeber scored multiple goals in the round of 16 match against AZ Alkmaar and recorded two assists in a match with the France Under-21 national team, showcasing impressive performances. Johnson also made an impression by scoring two goals in the match against Southampton.
However, some fans stated that "It is unreasonable to connect his performance against the league's bottom team to success on the European stage," downplaying the contributions of Tell and Johnson.
Despite such an atmosphere, many British media outlets are leaning towards the strong possibility of Son Heung-min starting. The Evening Standard reported that "Manager Ange Postecoglou is contemplating the right wing position, but it is highly likely that Son Heung-min will be included in the left forward position," predicting a lineup of Son Heung-min, Solanke, and Johnson in a 4-3-3 formation.
Manager Ange Postecoglou noted in an interview after the recent match against AZ that "Players coming off the bench can be decisive on the European stage," hinting at the potential utilization of Odoeber as a substitute rather than in the starting lineup.
The comment that "Odoeber tends to come alive in the second half" has resulted in interpretations that he is not yet secure in the starting competition.
Ultimately, Son Heung-min's participation may attract attention until just before the match. As the team's captain, Son Heung-min remains a symbolic figure and a strategically key player, with the consensus that excluding him from the starting lineup should not be hastily interpreted as a decline in form.
Contrary to the various experimental combinations suggested by fans, local football experts agree that it is unlikely Son Heung-min will be omitted from the starting lineup in a real match. The outcomes of Manager Postecoglou's choices will become evident in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Europa League on the 11th.
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