Golden boy Son Heung-min has been at Tottenham Hotspur for five years. A footballer who plays with a smile on his face and is pure entertainment. A shy young man arrived in North London aged just 23. Five years on and Son Heung-min is a vital part of the Spurs squad.
Golden Boy Son Had Shaky Start
Smiling Through
On August 28, 2015, the South Korean arrived at White Hart Lane from German Bundesliga side, Bayer Leverkusen.
That first season saw Son make 28 appearances for his new club with many being from the bench.
During pre-season, Son spoke with manager Mauricio Pochettino about leaving the club to get more game time.
Homesickness and his new surroundings had taken a toll, but Pochettino wanted Son to fight for his place and the rest, as they say, is history.
His performances have become eye-catching, but his trademark smile even more so.
Back in 2019, when speaking to Sky Sports, Son spoke about how his smile is due to “living the dream” of playing in the English Premier League.
“This was my dream, and this is still my dream,” he said. “I’m living in my dream, but I can’t believe it!
“I’m just happy to be here in England and playing in the Premier League. I love football, and I love work.”
There is a humility to Son that makes him very easy to like as a person and a footballer.
He is one of football’s good guys and a role model for youngsters everywhere.
It is a privilege to play at this level and Son knows that and shows it with every minute he plays his game.
Breakthrough
Remaining at Spurs, Son had a real breakthrough in the 2016-17 season.
He equalled his goal tally for the previous season in 25 matches less, leaving boss Pochettino purring over his ‘incredible’ player.
A star seemed to have been born.
Son ended the season on 21 goals, meaning he was part of an attacking threat of three, all scoring over 20 goals in a season.
This had never happened before at Tottenham and was a great achievement.
Lethal Finisher
When it comes to Tottenham Hotspur, Kane is the main man. If he is injured then fans and the media panic at how Spurs will carry on.
There is always talk of the need for a backup striker, yet Son has filled the void admirably at times. His record makes for good reading; 2016-17 (21 goals, nine assists), 2017-18 (18 goals, 11 assists), 2018-19 (20 goals, 10 assists), 2019-20 (18 goals, 12 assists).
Had the name attached to these stats been Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, the talk would be of World Class proportions.
His assist stats are also phenomenal and there can be no doubt that Son is as essential to Tottenham as the likes of Kane and Toby Alderweireld.
Golden Boy Son
Son Heung-min’s five years at Spurs have seen him grow into one of the Premier Leagues’ best players. His speed, fleet of foot and attitude are all infectious.
Against Chelsea in 2018-19, Son scored a fine solo effort against Chelsea in a 3-1 win.
The best was yet to come in December 2019 when Son scored an incredible solo effort against Burnley. He picked the ball up outside his own area and ran at pace to weave his way through and finish with aplomb.
That goal won Goal of the Month and subsequently won him the Goal of the Season for the 2019-20 season.
Son also swept the board of his club’s awards as voted for by the fans and players alike. Son also made the nominations list for the Ballon D’Or in 2019.
The rise of Son Heung-min has been sensational. Now, aged just 28, his best may yet be to come. If it is, then Tottenham Hotspur can only be all the better for having this truly golden boy in their ranks.
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