Brennan Johnson reveals how Tottenham skipper Son Heung-min has influenced his career
Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson seems to have overcome his tough start to the 2024/25 season.
The Wales international received a barrage of criticism from certain sections of our fans for his underwhelming displays. However, he has come back strongly and responded to the criticism in style by scoring in six back-to-back games across all competitions, thereby, establishing himself as a key player in Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI.
Before he arrived at White Hart Lane from Nottingham Forest last summer, the 23-year-old has opened up on the influence Tottenham skipper Son Heung-min has had in his early footballing career. Brennan Johnson says he used to watch videos of Son Heung-min, admiring his ability to strike the ball so sweetly and cleanly with both feet as a quality that impressed him the most.
“Even before I came to Spurs, I used to always watch Sonny,” Johnson said in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport.
“Not too many videos of him specifically but whenever Tottenham played, I’d always watch him.
“Even now, I find it amazing how both-footed he is. Watching it first-hand is amazing.
“I don’t know if he’s too aware, I haven’t told him anything in particular but he probably knows in the way I ask him questions and how I reach out to him – he understands that I definitely respect him very highly as a player.”
Son Heung-min has attained legendary status at Tottenham and it is not surprising to see so many young players looking at him as their footballing idols. Since Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich in 2023, the South Korean international has acted as a mentor to the young group of players at our club.
Currently the most experienced player at N17, the 32-year-old has led the team extremely well since Ange Postecoglou appointed him as the skipper at the start of 2023/24 season. Johnson seems enthralled by Son’s finishing skills with both feet, as evidenced by his recent admission.
While a right-winger by trade, Johnson is also capable enough to operate on the left and through the middle. He has pace, dynamism, work rate and directness to cause havoc within the opposition’s defence, and at 23, the Welshman still needs to add a couple of layers to his game to become a top player for club and country.
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If he can learn a trick or two from Son when it comes to finishing off chances from in and around the box, Johnson may become the player to succeed the ageing South Korean when he leaves. Who knows?
