Tottenham Hotspur skipper Heung-min Son is one of the modern icons at N17; however, the Lilywhites have entered a critical rebuilding phase, and a difficult (yet what is a necessary conversation) must take place: Is the South Korean still the player to lead the North Londoners into the next era?
If we are speaking about this from a pure sporting standpoint and taking out a lot of emotions behind it, Son does give us some important moments every now and then, but he is declining physically, which means he is becoming less and less effective across the ninety minutes.
Looking at this from a business standpoint, holding on to Son will bring massive value both commercially and symbolically, especially in global markets for Tottenham, and maybe changing the way that the North Londoners currently accommodate him can end up keeping him at Tottenham for a little bit longer. But is it worth it?
Let’s have a reality check of where Son lies tactically at the moment
Starting with finishing, he is still a world-class finisher given his instincts inside the box. And despite his declining speed, the timing of the runs still remains outstanding from the South Korean ace. Yes, his pressing ability has dropped massively given he cannot sustain high pressing for long along the ninety anymore, and this drop in pace means his ability to take his man on in a one-v-one has also decreased.
In a way the former Bayer Leverkusen man has transitioned from being a dynamic wide forward into more of an efficient inside forward. You can get the better out of him the closer he is to the goal, and he can still play in systems that revolve around him (i.e., create space for him rather than systems that demand he create the chaos himself).
His current contact situation
Currently, Son is tied with Tottenham till the end of next season, and he turns thirty-two (32) in the upcoming July. He is among the marquee earners at Tottenham given his £190k/week wages, and his role at the club is decreasing.
At the moment, there is a high potential for the North Londoners to cash in on him given interests from Saudi Pro clubs and some elite European sides. But what if Tottenham keep him?
Where does the future lie for Sonny if he stays at Tottenham
If we are speaking tactically, his role needs a big redefenition; the Lilywhites need to move him from a wide forward role and more into a final-third attacking role. He could be used more centrally or maybe in the left half-spaces where he is receiving the ball in advanced areas, and this way there is less heavy workload on him to carry.
Ange Postecoglou may need to give some athletic support around him. This could be maybe fast overlapping fullbacks or even aggressive midfield runners who could help him.
Possible risks of handing Son a new contract
There should be a physical decline given his age, and Tottenham (as suggested above) will have to shift the deployed system slightly to protect Son rather than to maximise the system first. Then you’re allocating a hefty piece of your wage cake into an ageing player rather than a high-ceiling player who could end up being more integral to the team in the coming years.
If you are keen, Son, there is also a sense of delay in succession. So if Tottenham are to sign Tel on a permanent deal or bring someone else on the left flank, the presence of the South Korean will end up delaying their game time for one (or maybe two) years.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
- TTLB Opinion: Is Postecoglou the reason behind Maddison’s underwhelming season at Tottenham?
- TTLB Opinion: Tottenham target Branthwaite and Guehi – but who makes more sense?
- TTLB Opinion: Tottenham could find it difficult to retain Dejan Kulusevski
Author Opinion
This summer could be the right time for Tottenham to sell Son if the club is fully committed to the ongoing rebuild. And the club can end up signing a younger player with high potential (maybe a marquee winger) and give him those minutes to make an impact and create for the future.
Do you think Tottenham should give Son a new contract? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.