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Son has only scored 11 goals in all competitions this season. |
When the Europa League lights illuminate the pitch for the final between Tottenham and Manchester United on the morning of May 22nd, all eyes will be on one decision: Will Son Heung-min be in the starting lineup? This decision will not only determine the tactics of the match but also be a question of values, loyalty, and the soul of a team.
Numbers don't lie.
There's no denying the statistics are leaning towards… Richarlison. A 40% win rate with Son in the team compared to 53.9% without him is a huge difference to ignore. One goal in the last 17 games is a figure that even the most ardent fans of the South Korean star would find hard to justify.
Meanwhile, Richarlison proved his worth with 4 goals in the same period and helped raise Spurs' win rate to 45.5%. The Brazilian striker is in excellent physical condition, has a consistent rhythm, and good chemistry with Dominic Solanke - Tottenham's main attacking threat.
"If you only look at the numbers, the decision is already clear," the British media commented. "But the numbers don't tell the whole story."
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Son's performance has declined significantly. |
Son Heung-min is more than just a player – he embodies Tottenham's spirit over the past decade. From a shy young man to a global star and a commanding captain, Son's journey is inextricably linked to the North London club's modern history.
He was the first Asian to win the Premier League Golden Boot, the other half of the legendary "Son-Kane" partnership, and now the heart and soul of Spurs after Harry Kane's departure. His lightning-fast bursts of speed, spectacular long-range shots, and radiant smile have been etched into the hearts of fans.
"Son is not just a player, he's the bridge between the fans and the club," former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas once remarked. "He understands Tottenham's DNA."
There's a reason Son craves trophies more than anyone else – he's experienced too many bitter defeats. From the 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool to the Asian Cup failure with South Korea, Son understands the feeling of standing at the gates of heaven but being unable to enter.
At 32, with his contract nearing its end, Son is well aware this could be his last chance with Tottenham. It's no coincidence that in recent interviews, his eyes have always lit up with burning desire when the final is mentioned.
"I've been waiting for this moment for so long," Son shared. "Bringing a trophy to Tottenham is my biggest dream."
Lessons from the Harry Kane case
Tottenham took a risk with Harry Kane in the 2019 Champions League final, bringing their star striker back into the starting lineup despite not being fully recovered from injury. The result was a lackluster Kane and a 0-2 defeat against Liverpool.
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Will Tottenham Hotspurs place their faith in Son in the Europa League final? |
But Son is not Kane. The former Bayer Leverkusen star had time to prepare physically through matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Although he didn't score, Son's performances showed that he is almost physically ready.
"Son had found his rhythm, unlike Kane at that time," former manager Mauricio Pochettino once remarked. "Sometimes form is just one big game away."
For manager Ange Postecoglou, this was not just a tactical decision, but a matter of football philosophy. The Australian coach has always been known for his bold style, emphasizing entertainment and respecting the core values of the club.
Reason dictates that Richarlison deserves a starting spot given his current form. But the heart understands that Son Heung-min is the soul of Tottenham, capable of transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.
Perhaps the answer lies in the famous quote by Bill Nicholson, a Tottenham legend: "It's not about winning, but about winning Tottenham."
The Europa League final is more than just 90 minutes to decide the title. It's a turning point in Tottenham's quest for identity after Kane's departure. It's an opportunity for Son Heung-min to complete his 12-year love story with the white-shirted club.
Postecoglou understands that big decisions shape a manager's legacy. He could bet on Richarlison's current form, or place his faith in icon Son Heung-min – who is ready to write the final chapter of his Tottenham story with a trophy.
Whatever the decision, it will shape the future and history of Tottenham Hotspur. And Son Heung-min, whatever position he plays in, will remain the heart of the team in their most important match in years.
Source: https://znews.vn/son-heung-min-phai-du-bi-post1554532.html
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