Tottenham Hotspur captain Heung-min Son might not have had his best season, but the South Korean forward has quietly outperformed every winger in Europe’s top five leagues in one key metric.
Tottenham Hotspur’s captain, Heung-min Son, has found himself at the centre of heated debates this season, with critics calling his performances into question after a string of inconsistent displays.
The Korean winger, who has long been one of Spurs’ standout players, is facing calls for a potential replacement, as sceptics suggest that age and declining form may be catching up with him.
Ange Postecoglou, however, has remained resolute in his support of his star player. The numbers tell a story of their own: in 13 matches this season, Son has registered five goals and six assists—a total of 11 goal contributions.
While these figures are respectable, they pale in comparison to the standards he has set over the years.
Fans and pundits alike have pointed to his lack of consistency as a source of frustration, with his performances alternating between flashes of brilliance and games where he struggles to make an impact.
Despite the criticism, the underlying statistics reveal a different picture. Son’s contributions on the pitch go beyond the visible, proving that he is still a force to be reckoned with in European football.
When diving deeper into the data, it becomes evident that Heung-min Son is far from a player in decline.
According to data from Datamb, no winger in Europe’s top five leagues has more key passes per 90 minutes (1.49) than Son this season, placing him in the 100th percentile for this crucial metric.
Son’s effectiveness does not stop there. He is in the 93rd percentile for expected goals (xG) plus expected assists (xA). Furthermore, he ranks in the 84th percentile for non-penalty goals and the 90th percentile for assists.
These metrics underscore his ongoing importance to Tottenham Hotspur and his ability to influence matches at the highest level.
While his detractors may focus on his occasional off-days, the underlying numbers reveal a consistent performer who is still capable of making a significant impact on the pitch.
The calls to write off Heung-min Son as a player past his prime are, in many ways, emblematic of a broader trend in football.
In a sport where youth is often celebrated above all else, players entering their thirties are frequently viewed as being on the decline. However, modern football has shown time and again that age is not necessarily a barrier to success.
Consider Luka Modrić, who won the Ballon d’Or at the age of 33, or Karim Benzema, who achieved the same feat later in his career.
Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time, lifted the World Cup at 35, while Mohamed Salah remains one of the Premier League’s most dominant forces at 32.
Robert Lewandowski continues to excel at Barcelona well into his thirties, proving that age is often just a number for players of exceptional quality.
For Son, the story is no different. He still has much to offer Tottenham Hotspur, and as the team begins to find its rhythm under Postecoglou, his performances are likely to improve further.
The match against Southampton provided a glimpse of what he is capable of when the team clicks, showcasing his ability to lead by example and deliver in crucial moments.
With time and a more cohesive Spurs side, Son has every chance of silencing his critics and reaffirming his status as one of the best wingers in Europe.
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