It is fair to say that Heung-Min Son has taken time to settle into life in the Premier League as a Tottenham Hotspur player, with the South Korean struggling to get a look in during his first season at the Lane thanks to the superb goal-scoring form of Harry Kane. Mauricio Pochettio was reluctant to make changes which may have disrupted the momentum that Spurs built up as the team got within touching distance of the Premier League title, and although Son showed glimpses of what he can do when given an opportunity, scoring just four goals in thirteen starts and fifteen substitute appearances is perhaps disappointing from a player who cost an Asian record of £22 million.
He would have been forgiven for feeling frustrated that his dream move to England had not gone as planned, particularly as he moved from Bayer Leverkusen where he was a star player, but although his request to leave the club upon returning from the Olympics with South Korean was rejected, his transformation has been nothing but superb. It is
It is testament to Pochettino and Son for the turnaround in fortunes as not only was the manager not ready to give up on someone he felt could make a difference, but also the player for getting his head down, improving his English and taking his chance with both hands. Five goals in as many games is the least that Son deserves for a series of outstanding performances, and as he looks like scoring in every game he plays in, it may be worth checking the latest football betting odds with Betway to see where the South Korean is placed to emulate Kane and finish as the Premier League top goalscorer this season.
There is no question that Son’s emergence has been a breath of fresh air to everyone at the Lane, as there is nothing better than seeing a player brimming with confidence and playing at the top of his game in a Tottenham shirt. Son has made a big difference since coming into the team on the left side of attack at the Britannia Stadium against Stoke, with two superbly-taken goals, particularly the second which was bent right into the top corner from around 25 yards out, showing just what he is capable of.
He has not looked back since; Son’s pace and trickery gave Sunderland a torrid time at the back, and although he sometimes tried too much, he appears willing to express himself in the right areas and make up for lost time last season. Son proved to be the difference at the Riverside against Middlesbrough with two more goals to his name, and, just like the game at Stoke, his second goal was yet another wonderful 25-yard curler which gave Victor Valdes absolutely no chance. Another superbly-taken goal at CSKA Moscow not only capped another excellent performance from Son who really has come into his own in recent weeks, but also secured a valuable three points for Spurs in the Champions League.
Son’s rise to prominence has come at just the right time for Tottenham, particularly with Kane set to be out until November with an ankle ligament injury. Some would argue that Son has proven to be more than effective playing out on the left, but he also provides Pochettino with an option through the middle with his pace, movement and ability to play on the shoulders of centre-backs suiting Spurs’ fast attacking play on the deck. It may be an effective tactic for Pochettino to consider after the international break when his team travel to the Hawthorns to face West Brom, and although Vincent Janssen deserves an opportunity to fill Kane’s boots, he has yet to adapt to the physical nature of the Premier League.
Spurs are likely to be favourites in this weekend’s upcoming betting odds with Betway to come away from the Midlands with three points, but although West Brom are more than up for a physical battle under Tony Pulis and may prove a tough nut to crack, it is easy to feel confident about Spurs at the moment with Son firing on all cylinders.
His form could prove to be pivotal in the coming weeks as Spurs look to continue their excellent start to the Premier League campaign, along with getting a solid foothold of Group x in the Champions League following the opening defeat at Wembley against Monaco. However, while fans may worry about a potential injury or suspension to a player who has emerged as a key part of Pochettino’s plans, there is another problem that could have greater consequences. South Korean footballers have previously been exempt from military service, but now that Son has turned 24, there is growing concern that he may have to leave Spurs for two years or face imprisonment. Serving in the army may be the only thing that stops Son in his tracks, and although it has not been confirmed either way, everyone connected to the club, especially Pochettino, will hope that the winger-cum-striker remains at the Lane and continues to lead Spurs forward.
