Eventually, Tottenham's "reliable man" is Son Heung-min.
Tottenham will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of the quarter-finals of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League on the 18th (Korea time) at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany.
After recording a 1-1 draw in last week's home first leg, Tottenham must win this away game to advance to the semifinals. In other words, a loss would mean elimination.
Currently, the Europa League is the only trophy Tottenham can aim for this season. As a result of ongoing poor performance in the Premier League, the team has recorded a staggering 17 losses in 31 league matches, which could remain one of the worst performances in the club's history. The team is on the verge of breaking the record for most losses since the 2003-2004 season, which was 19 losses. The team's ranking has also fallen to 15th place, coming close to the relegation zone.
Having already been eliminated from the FA Cup and League Cup, the only platform for Tottenham to end their trophy drought is the Europa League. This tournament represents a desperate opportunity for a team that has not lifted a trophy for 17 years since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is aware of this point. He has deliberately rested key players, including Son Heung-min, during league matches to focus on managing their fitness.
On the 13th, during the away match against Wolverhampton, Son Heung-min was excluded from the roster. Postecoglou explained in a pre-match press conference that Son was experiencing discomfort in his foot and that the decision was made for precautionary reasons.
However, the team faltered to the extent that Son Heung-min's absence became inconsequential. Tottenham collapsed with consecutive defensive mistakes against Wolverhampton, losing 4-2. After the defeat, they remained at 37 points (11 wins, 4 draws, 17 losses) and allowed nearby Wolverhampton and West Ham (both with 35 points) to chase them, making their 15th place position precarious.
From Tottenham's perspective, Son Heung-min must return now. Postecoglou also strongly hinted at the possibility of Son's return after the Wolverhampton match. He stated that he is managing Son to ensure he can participate in the Europa League match on Thursday and that preparations are proceeding normally.
Football London categorized Son Heung-min as a key asset while predicting the starting lineup for Tottenham against Frankfurt.
Football London analyzed that unless Mathys Tel plays as a left winger, Son Heung-min is most likely to start in that position.
Alasdair Gold also focused on Son Heung-min. He emphasized that Son's name should be included in the starting lineup that Postecoglou must choose, and that he must be ready to play after recovering from his foot injury.
The necessity of Son Heung-min is proven by statistics. He has recorded 11 goals and 12 assists in 43 matches this season, producing the most attacking points within Tottenham.
Beyond simple statistics, he also plays a role in instilling stability in the entire team throughout the match as a captain.
The Daily Mail also reported that Tottenham desperately hopes for Son Heung-min's participation in the away match against Frankfurt.
The Daily Mail pointed out that the Europa League is the only stage where a trophy can be expected under Postecoglou’s management, stating that Son's return could be a decisive boost for Tottenham.
Currently, Son Heung-min has returned to regular team training. He is evaluated to be fit for participation now that he has recovered from his injury. Thus, one of Tottenham's reliable cards is Son Heung-min. His role as a leader and problem-solver, both on and off the pitch, is needed once again.
In the end, all eyes are on the match against Frankfurt, in which Son Heung-min is expected to participate. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can salvage their collapsed season through this match, and whether Son will be at the center of it.
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