Son Heung-min is too good to be a substitute

Son has only scored 11 goals in all competitions this season.

When the Europa League lights illuminate the pitch in the final between Tottenham and Manchester United in the early morning of May 22, all eyes will be on one decision: will Son Heung-min appear in the starting lineup? This decision will not only determine the tactics of the match but also a question of values, loyalty and the soul of a team.

Numbers don't lie

There is no denying the statistics are in Richarlison's favour. A 40% win rate with Son in the side compared to 53.9% without him is too big to ignore. A 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 has proven his worth with four goals in the same period and helped Spurs' win rate to 45.5%. The Brazilian striker is in good physical condition, has a stable rhythm and has good chemistry with Dominic Solanke - the main spearhead of Tottenham's attack.

"If you look at the numbers alone, the decision is clear," British media commented. "But the numbers don't tell the whole story."

Son has declined a lot.

Son Heung-min is more than just a player – he has been the personification of Tottenham over the past decade. From shy teenager to global star and fearless captain, Son’s journey has been synonymous with 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" duo, and now the soul of Spurs after Harry Kane left. His lightning-fast sprints, beautiful long-range shots and radiant smile have been etched into the hearts of fans.

"Son is not just a player, he is a bridge between the fans and the club," former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas once commented. "He understands Tottenham's DNA."

There is a reason why Son craves trophies more than anyone else – he has experienced too many bitter defeats. From the 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool, to the Asian Cup defeat with South Korea, Son knows the feeling of standing at the gates of heaven but not being able to enter.

At 32, with his contract about to expire, Son is well aware that this could be his last chance with Tottenham. It is no coincidence that in recent interviews, his eyes always shine with burning desire when talking about the final.

"I've been waiting for this moment for so long," Son said. "Bringing trophies 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 main striker back into the starting lineup despite not having fully recovered from injury. The result was a lackluster Kane and a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Will Tottenham Hotspurs put their faith in Son in the Europa League final?

But Son is no Kane. The former Bayer Leverkusen star has had time to prepare physically through games against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Although he did not score, Son's performances showed that he was almost physically ready.

"Son has found his rhythm, unlike Kane at that time," former coach Mauricio Pochettino once commented. "Sometimes form is just one big match away."

For coach Ange Postecoglou, this is not just a tactical decision but also a football philosophy. The Australian coach has always been known for his bold style, emphasis on entertainment and respect for the core values ​​of the club.

Reason says Richarlison deserves a starting spot because of his current form. But the heart knows that Son Heung-min is the soul of Tottenham, the one who can turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.

Perhaps the answer lies in the famous quote by Bill Nicholson - Tottenham legend: "The important thing is not winning, but winning the Tottenham way".

The Europa League final is more than just 90 minutes of title-winning action. It is a turning point in Tottenham’s quest for identity post-Kane. It is Son Heung-min’s chance to complete a 12-year love affair with the Whites.

Postecoglou knows that big decisions shape a manager’s legacy. He can bet on current form with Richarlison, or put his faith in icon Son Heung-min, who is ready to write the final page of his Tottenham story with a trophy.

Whatever the decision, it will shape the future and history of Tottenham Hotspur. And Son Heung-min, no matter his position, will be at the heart of the team in their biggest game in years.

Source: https://znews.vn/son-heung-min-qua-gioi-de-du-bi-post1554532.html