Criticism from local fans towards Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is increasing.
The Tottenham Hotspur fan community 'Tottenham Hotspur News' reported on the 11th (Korean time) that "Tottenham fans have expressed strong reactions to Son Heung-min's performance. Some even argued that he should be sold immediately."
Tottenham Hotspur drew 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League for the 2024-2025 season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on the 11th.
As they conceded the first goal at home and only managed to equalize, criticism of their performance continued strongly.
Throughout the match, Son Heung-min was unable to make his presence felt. He recorded 2 shots, 2 chances created, 5 touches in the box, and 0 successful dribbles (attempted 2), showing below expectation performance as a forward. In the 30th minute of the first half, his right-foot cross soared high into the stands, and a free-kick opportunity was inaccurately directed far from the goal. A curling shot in the second half was stopped by the opposing goalkeeper's save. In the 35th minute of the second half, he was eventually substituted and left the field.
After the match, British media spotlighted Son Heung-min's slump.
London local publication 'Football London' rated him 5 points and noted, "Aside from a good shot early in the second half, he did not meet expectations as captain." 'Evening Standard' also rated him 5 points, stating, "While he was involved in the buildup to the scoring scene, the overall impact was lacking."
The fan community 'Tottenham Hotspur News' rated him 3 points, criticizing that "despite having many possessions, he failed to show any impact."
The evaluation from the global media 'Goal.com' was shocking. The outlet rated him 4 points and stated, "If manager Ange Postecoglou could replay this match, he would have instructed Son Heung-min not to dribble against defenders (or he should have)." This highlighted Son Heung-min's poor dribbling ability.
It continued, "He lost the ball too easily and was hardly a threat in decisive areas. Eventually, he was substituted for Mathys Tel."
Fans' reactions were much harsher. Tottenham Hotspur News reported that "Son Heung-min has been silent without scoring for the last 5 games. Fan patience is running out due to this slump."
One fan wrote, "I really don't understand why he plays every week when Son Heung-min shows such performance," while another fan commented, "It's dangerous to judge a player simply based on statistics. Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson are exactly that. Son Heung-min has been terrible throughout the season, and aside from one good performance, Johnson is the same."
Another fan stated, "If things continue like this, Son Heung-min will struggle to survive in the Saudi league, MLS, Turkish league, and even in Asian leagues. An ostrich is faster and more effective than the combined efforts of Johnson and Son Heung-min. This is like Tottenham playing without 2 players already."
There were even more intense reactions. One fan wrote, "Son Heung-min is finished," while another fan remarked, "It would be better to use Spence as the left winger instead of Son Heung-min. He contributes nothing now."
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