Can Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) leave another mark on Korean football history?
Tottenham will face Manchester United in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League (UEL) final at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd at 4 a.m. (Korea time). The two teams, currently positioned 17th and 16th in the Premier League, have met with the trophy of the European competition at stake.
This final is an opportunity that both Tottenham and Son Heung-min cannot miss. Tottenham has not reached the top since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. This time, they must break a 17-year trophy drought.
Son Heung-min, known for his 'second chance' mentality, is burning with the desire to win more than anyone else. He has scored 173 goals in 451 matches since joining Tottenham in 2015 but has lost in both finals he reached. In the 2018-2019 UEFA Champions League (UCL) final, he lost 0-2 to Liverpool, and in the 2020-2021 League Cup final, he finished as a runner-up, unable to overcome Manchester City, shedding tears.
This time, Son Heung-min is determined to achieve a different result. In a recent interview, he said, "The main reason I stayed at Tottenham is that I wanted to do what others could not achieve. I have been missing the most important last piece, and I have worked hard to find it over the past 10 years. This time, I hope to finally complete the puzzle. We believe we can achieve it."
On the eve of the final, Son Heung-min stated in an official press conference, "The team and I are ready. This final will be really special and a historical moment. During my 10 years at Tottenham, no one has lifted a trophy. I also really want to win. It is certainly a really important day for the club, the players, and for me."
However, it is highly likely that Son Heung-min is not at 100% fitness yet. He has been out due to a foot injury for the past month and has only played in the last two games. Son Heung-min played approximately 30 minutes against Crystal Palace last week and over 70 minutes in the previous round against Aston Villa.
Nevertheless, Son Heung-min has shown confidence. He declared, "I am ready. After returning from injury, I played against Palace and ran about 70 minutes in the Villa match. I didn’t expect to run that much, but I was able to do it. I am physically ready and fully prepared to play. All the players are prepared for the most important match of this season."
Of course, a tough battle is expected. Tottenham is severely weakened in midfield with the absence of vice-captain James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, as well as Dejan Kulusevski due to injuries. On the other hand, Manchester United has seen the return of Renni Yoro and Diogo Dalot, who were feared to be out for the season, as well as Joshua Zirkzee.
Football statistics outlet 'Opta' also predicted that it would not be surprising if either Tottenham or Manchester United won. The media's simulation using a supercomputer showed Tottenham's winning probability at 50.3%, slightly higher than Manchester United's (49.7%). However, the mere 0.6% difference makes this figure practically meaningless.
If Tottenham defeats Manchester United and wins, Son Heung-min will become only the fourth Korean player to lift the UEL trophy. The only Korean players to have reached the top of the UEL so far are Cha Bum-kun, Kim Dong-jin, and Lee Ho.
Cha Bum-kun won the UEFA Cup, the predecessor of the UEL, with Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1979-1980 season. He also won the UEFA Cup again wearing Bayer Leverkusen's uniform in the 1987-1988 season, securing the trophy twice. Kim Dong-jin and Lee Ho celebrated the joy of winning the UEFA Cup together while playing for Zenit St. Petersburg in the 2007-2008 season.
Meanwhile, various opinions are circulating regarding whether Son Heung-min will be in the starting lineup. UEFA noted, "Tottenham's left attack is the team's biggest dilemma. Son Heung-min has just recently returned from a foot injury, so Richarlison or Mathis Tel is being considered as strong candidates for the starting position. In particular, Richarlison started both legs of the semifinals of the tournament." This suggests a likely bench start for Son Heung-min.
'The Athletic' recommended starting Wilson Odobert, born in 2004, instead of Son Heung-min. The outlet stated, "Son Heung-min has been underperforming this season and often slows down the attack. Odobert's speed to attack Manchester United's center-backs is extremely attractive. He has the dribbling skills to create space for teammates by getting past defenders."
On the other hand, 'The Telegraph' strongly argued that manager Postecoglou must start Son Heung-min. The outlet pointed out, "Tottenham has shown better performance even without Son Heung-min. However, he must start in the final. While there are opinions that he should be excluded from the starting lineup considering performance and fitness, we must not overlook his experience and fervent desire to win."
Additionally, The Telegraph stated, "Son Heung-min should start against Manchester United and seize the opportunity to etch his name in the team's winning history. Son Heung-min is the superstar that Postecoglou must trust. With the absence of Dejan Kulusevski, Tottenham lacks creativity, but Son Heung-min can create something out of nothing. He is also a much-needed leader for Tottenham."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Tottenham, Talking THFC, Opta, B/R Football Social Media.
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