On the 22nd, it will be the most important day in life.

This statement by Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) before the final contained all his longings and desires. It is ironic that a veteran in his 15th year of debut still continues his career without a single trophy. Now he stands on the only stage to fill the last piece.

Tottenham lost 0-2 in the away match against Aston Villa in the 37th round of the 2024-2025 Premier League, held on the 17th (Korean time) at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.

Son Heung-min started as a left winger in the match and played for about 74 minutes before being substituted in the 29th minute of the second half. However, he left the field with his head down as he was unable to create any significant plays.

During the match, Son Heung-min recorded his only shot in the 15th minute. According to soccer statistics company "Footmob", Son Heung-min had 32 ball touches and attempted a dribble once, but did not succeed. He attempted 3 crosses and 1 long pass, all of which failed, and he lost all 6 ground duels.

Son Heung-min started on the left side and showed active movement, but there was disappointment on the right side. Aside from a right-foot shot curled in from the left side of the penalty box in the 15th minute, there were no effective attacking scenes. Soccer statistics media "Footmob" rated Son Heung-min with the lowest score on the team at 5.8. With 32 ball touches, 1 failed dribble attempt, 3 unsuccessful crosses, and 1 failed long pass, as well as losing all 6 ground duels, the statistics were harsh.

However, Son Heung-min's reaction after the match was different. In an official club interview, he said, "I was a bit tired, but my physical condition is not bad. The preparation for the final is complete," encouraging himself. Most importantly, he emphasized, "It is important for the whole team to be in top condition for the 22nd. I am ready."

Son Heung-min had been off the field for a month due to injury. The time spent watching without being able to play was a trial for him. He recalled, "It was one of the hardest moments to endure as a player."

However, on the day of confirming his advancement to the final, Son Heung-min laughed again with the team. "I was happy to see my teammates happy. They deserve it. But we have not finished yet. The real fight starts on the 22nd," he stated emphatically.

He defined this match as "a game that concerns not just the honor of the club, but my entire football life." He added, "Everything that I have built up until now must be proven in results," expressing his determination for the final.

The match against Villa is not just interpretable by win or loss. On this day, Tottenham rotated many key players, excluding Son Heung-min, and Coach Ange Postecoglou employed a strange approach of defending and counterattacking. Early in the first half, they pressured the opponent and led the flow, but in the second half, they collapsed, conceding consecutive goals to Konsa (59th minute) and Kamara (73rd minute).

Son Heung-min positively evaluated the new tactic: "Until we conceded, we attempted a plan that was different from the past. Everyone did well, and our concentration was good. It was a game that felt like dedication and determination. That is important."

He added, "What we want is only one thing, the result. This team is moving for one goal. Every member is preparing for the final with one mind."

Since his professional debut at Hamburger in 2010, Son Heung-min has never lifted a championship trophy. While individual records have overflowed and numerous praises have followed, he has never been able to grasp the trophy at crucial moments. The Europa League final is a critical opportunity to break this "vicious cycle of not winning."

This season, Tottenham has failed in the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup, and the only remaining stage is European competition. The weight of this match is not light for Son Heung-min or Tottenham.

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