Can Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) seize the last opportunity for victory in his career? However, currently, only bad news surrounds him.
On the 28th (Korean time), Tottenham suffered a crushing defeat of 1-5 against Liverpool in the 34th round of the 2024-2025 Premier League at Anfield. With this victory, Liverpool has secured 82 points, extending their lead over second-placed Arsenal to 15 points, confirming their Premier League title, the second since the league's inception and the first in five years since the 2019-2020 season.
On the other hand, Tottenham is holding onto the last flicker of hope for the Europa League title as they have fallen to 16th in the league. The defeat against Liverpool was expected, but Son Heung-min's absence, who should be the core of the team, was even more painful.
Manager Ange Postecoglou noted before the match, "Son Heung-min is recovering from injury, but it's too soon for him to play against Liverpool. There has been positive progress, but we need to monitor him daily." In fact, Son Heung-min has started training on grass, but more time is needed for his return.
Tottenham must bet everything on the first leg of the Europa League semifinals against Bodo (Norway) on May 2 at home. As this is the only stage where a championship possibility remains, Son Heung-min's return is not an option—it is essential. However, his physical condition is still not 100% certain, deepening Tottenham's concerns.
Meanwhile, criticism toward Son Heung-min is intensifying. The British outlet 'To The Rain and Back' reported on the 28th that French World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf (57) stated, "Son Heung-min has not been the leader Tottenham needed this season."
Son Heung-min is 'the icon of modern Tottenham,' having recorded 173 goals and 98 assists in 451 matches for Tottenham. His fantastic partnership with Harry Kane will forever remain in fans' memories. However, this season, despite decent stats of 11 goals and 11 assists in 43 matches, his presence faded in crucial moments.
Leboeuf harshly criticized Son Heung-min through 'ESPN,' saying, "Son Heung-min has not existed this season. He wore the captain's armband, but he failed to lead the team. He has completely faded into the background."
He added, "Son Heung-min can still play for several more years. He needs to become a better leader and a better player himself." He expressed concern, stating, "I don’t know if this sudden drop in form is due to the manager, the team, or his own fault, but it is surprising."
For now, Son Heung-min has no choice but to aim for a revival on the Europa League stage at the end of the season. The team desperately needs a leader to stabilize them amidst a series of injuries and poor performance.
Manager Postecoglou is also eagerly hoping for Son Heung-min's return, stating, "I am waiting for Son Heung-min to come back." Son Heung-min must prove himself once again for his first major title and for the team to reach the top of the Europa League.
[OSEN]