'Captain' Son Heung-min (Tottenham) is facing challenges regarding his position.
Fluctuations in playing time, fitness management, and tactical reasons are causing his playing time to gradually decrease. There are interpretations that the impact of injuries and his relationship with head coach Ange Postecoglou are also playing complex roles.
The Boy Hotspur noted on the 15th (Korea time) that "it's hard to see Son Heung-min leading Tottenham's attack completely since Harry Kane left," adding that, "especially with a clear decline in performance this season, reports are emerging that he may leave the club in the summer transfer market."
It was added that "last season, Kane's absence wasn't as significant, but this season the situation has completely changed."
The Boy Hotspur analyzed that Son Heung-min's struggles are not simply due to a decrease in individual ability but stem from broader issues within the club and an unstable relationship with the coach.
It has been repeatedly mentioned that his relationship with coach Postecoglou is not as smooth as it was with previous coaches.
Recently, team legend Robbie Keane also expressed a similar perspective in an interview. He said, "Tottenham is having an overall difficult season. Son Heung-min is not free from that situation," adding that "this season, Son Heung-min has consistently been left out of the starting lineup, which may signal that his relationship with the coach is not as it used to be."
In fact, Son Heung-min has made 28 appearances in the Premier League this season, recording 7 goals and 9 assists. While these numbers may seem decent on the surface, they are relatively disappointing when compared to the explosive scoring ability he has shown in recent years. Furthermore, there are criticisms that expectations from fans and experts have been excessively high when measured against Son Heung-min's performance.
The issue is that Son Heung-min is not just a simple attacking asset. As the team's captain, he is expected to provide not only technical skills but also mental leadership. However, as he has been substituted early in matches or entirely left out of the starting lineup, more fans have been expressing their dissatisfaction.
Keane emphasized that Son Heung-min's class remains unchanged. He stated, "Son Heung-min is still one of the top forwards in the Premier League. Right now, the overall atmosphere in the team is low, and in such times, it’s natural for an individual's performance to not shine," adding that, "He has shown even better abilities when playing alongside Harry Kane. Kane's transfer may have had a significant impact on Son Heung-min as well."
Keane argued that Tottenham should approach the potential transfer of Son Heung-min more cautiously.
Keane stated, "Son Heung-min has consistently delivered incredible and impressive performances at Tottenham. He should not be leaving the team this summer."
He added, "If coach Postecoglou's frequent substitutions of Son Heung-min during games are not merely about fitness management, then there are undoubtedly issues in their relationship."
Currently, Son Heung-min is the player with the highest offensive point production within the team. Before the season, the majority of experts were worried about the void left by Harry Kane, but Son Heung-min has alleviated that burden to some extent while leading the team. However, as time progresses, factors such as physical strain, reduced playing time, and tactical changes are causing his presence to gradually fade.
Tottenham is placing its last hope in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) this season. Given the sharp decline in league performance, the only remaining trophy competition is the Europa League. Whether Son Heung-min can once again stabilize and lead Tottenham back to the top will be the biggest concern in the second half of the season.
Meanwhile, coach Postecoglou has not clarified his stance on how Son Heung-min will be utilized. Son Heung-min was also excluded from the roster in the recent match against Wolverhampton, where the team lost 2-4 weakly. Fans have repeatedly argued for the necessity of having him start, observing how the team has become even more vulnerable without him.
Son Heung-min's situation is likely to be discussed in earnest after the season ends. Since it is intertwined with coach Postecoglou's future, the outcomes of the coming weeks may determine decisions for both the player and the club.
It is clear that Son Heung-min remains one of the most influential players within the team. However, with a combination of performance issues, a strained relationship with the coach, and poor team performance, his position is certainly more precarious than before. Depending on whether he can rebound in the future, his Tottenham career could reach a significant turning point.
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