Is Spurs Son Heung-Min’s Team now?

Over the past decade, Spurs have had some fantastic players; however, no player encapsulates the squad more than Harry Kane. The Englishman may not be their captain, but he carries himself as if he is, and more often than not, is regarded as such.

That is, until the past transfer window. Yes, Harry Kane has stayed at Spurs, but flirting with the idea of leaving has soured the opinion of some fans. Step in, Son Heung-Min. The South Korean was sensational last season, and starting the Premier League season with two goals in three games has heightened his profile. So, does it make Spurs his team now?

Consistency

What Son usually brings to Spurs is a consistent attacking threat. His pace burns defenders, and last season especially, he put it all together nearly every week. If he can raise that consistency this season, Spurs could have a great chance of finishing in the top-four. In fact, football odds currently have them as fifth-favourites, with odds of 75/1, to take the title as outright winners, outside of Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United. Nevertheless, if Son is scoring week in and week out, football predictions could change under new head coach Nuno Espírito Santo.

Santo appears to have guided Son closer to scoring opportunities, hitting him more on the break and getting him into the box consistently. Son has scored over ten goals in his past five seasons and already has two this year. If he can get to 20, expect to see Spurs in top-four or six positions. 

Cutting Edge

Son brings an edge to Spurs that they’ve sometimes lacked in Kane’s absence. Yes, Kane’s a creative, poacher player, but Son’s direct running at fullbacks puts opposing teams under intense pressure. Coupled with his ability to cut inside and unleash a shot, he possesses an edge to him that the best players in the history of the Premier League have similarly utilised. Think of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, and Mohamed Salah. 

As previously mentioned, Son had his best season last year with 17 goals and ten assists. He could produce even more magic if given the opportunities to develop and entrusted with more responsibility in a counter-attacking Santo side. If he maintains that cutting edge, it’s not out of the question for him to exceed his previous bests in the campaign ahead.

Style of Play

What makes Son such a delight to watch is his style of play. Kane’s an excellent footballer because of his brain for the game and his interpretation of space and though his style may not be attractive, it garners results. On the other hand, Spurs fans may be inclined to anoint Son as the messiah of their squad due to his ability to deliver electric play that’s thrilling to watch. 

He’s lightning-quick, two-footed, direct, runs at defenders and can deliver a pinpoint pass. His versatility over the front-line makes him impossible to mark, as he’s likely to pop up anywhere to score a goal. Inevitably, being such a mercurial talent means that he’s bound to draw more eyes as his career continues to flourish.

It’s no wonder that Spurs is now being thought of as Son’s team: if he continues to deliver, they could have an excellent chance at returning to the Champions League next season.