Without Son, what is left for Spurs?

Son Heung-min played his final game for Tottenham in a choked-up emotional match in Seoul.

Ten years, 454 games, 173 goals, 101 assists, a European Cup, millions of hearts - and now tears on farewell day. Son Heung-min said goodbye to Tottenham, not with a loud announcement or a big press conference, but in an emotional silence in front of thousands of home fans in Seoul.

The friendly against Newcastle ended in a 1-1 draw, but for Tottenham fans, it was an afternoon with more layers of emotion than any title.

More than just goals

Son left the pitch in the 65th minute, with both teams lining up in a guard of honour – a rare sight in modern football, not for someone about to retire but for an icon who still has value. He handed the captain’s armband to Ben Davies, left the pitch amid hugs from teammates and opponents, sat down on the bench, and buried his face in his hands. A 33-year-old man who had experienced hundreds of great moments, but this farewell still left him choked up.

“I didn’t think I would cry,” Son admitted. “But when I heard my teammates say a few words, it was really hard.” His tears were not just a farewell, but the end of an era. And Spurs fans have reason to wonder: what would the team be like without him?

There are 173 goals, 127 Premier League goals, the 2021-22 Golden Boot, 101 assists - but those numbers only scratch the surface. Son is more than just a brilliant attacker, he has been the emotional heartbeat of Tottenham in a tumultuous decade.

Son is not just a brilliant attacker, he has been Tottenham's emotional heartbeat in a tumultuous decade.

From Asian talent to global icon, Son has grown up with Spurs - through Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho, Nuno, Conte, Postecoglou and now Thomas Frank. He is the link between generations, between Harry Kane and Brennan Johnson, between unfulfilled Champions League dreams and a 17-year wait for the Europa League.

In Kane's absence, Son once again carries the load - in 2023/24, he scored 17 goals and assisted 10 in the Premier League. Although last season saw a decline in scoring, Son still showed his influence: with him, Spurs won 42% of their games; without him, that rate dropped to... 7%.

The statistics are clearer: Tottenham average 2.1 goals and 1.4 points per game with Son, but only 1.0 goals and 0.4 points without him. The dry numbers reflect one thing: Son is not just a "scorer", but a conductor, a leader in even the most difficult moments.

A timely breakup?

When coach Thomas Frank described his farewell in Seoul as “a beautiful ending”, he was right. Son left Spurs with a trophy, surrounded by fans, and with his head held high.

He didn't wait until his form declined or he became a burden. Son chose to leave while he was still a source of pride, and that's how legends should leave.

Son chose to leave while he was still a source of pride, and that's how legends should leave.

Frank faces a formidable challenge: filling the void left by Son – not just with new players, but with spirit, emotion, influence. Mohamed Kudus – the £55m signing – may bring creativity, but becoming an icon will require more than dribbling and scoring.

In the locker room that day, Son said a few words to his teammates. What he said was not revealed, but it didn’t matter. Son didn’t need to say much – he had said it with 10 years of relentless play, dedication, humility, and falling down and getting back up.

Tottenham will move on, as every club does after their legend leaves. But for Son Heung-min, this is more than just a transfer. It is the end of a beautiful chapter in history - where a Korean boy who was once doubted because of his skin color and background became an icon that the whole of England bowed down to.

And perhaps, it will be a long time before Tottenham finds a second Son Heung-min.

Source: https://znews.vn/khong-con-son-spurs-con-lai-gi-post1574309.html