Son had stepped up and delivered on a few occasions when Kane was out injured over the years, most notably in Tottenham’s run to the Champions League final in 2019.

The South Korean has filled the void left by Kane’s departure so far, having found the back of the net eight times since being moved to the number nine role by Ange Postecoglou.

Given the number of chances that Spurs create and Son’s finishing prowess, it is certainly not out of the question that the Tottenham captain could push Erling Haaland until the end in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot.

(Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)

Did Harry Kane do Heung-min Son a favour?

Michallik is far from surprised at the 31-year-old’s transformation from last season, admitting that he would have major questions about Spurs if the forward is unavailable.

The pundit told ESPN FC: “I think that’s a massive question for Spurs, because, here we are, we’ll talk about it maybe a little later too, are they better or worse [without] Harry Kane? But think about it. In the past, when one was off, there was one scoring consistently.”

“Let’s not forget Heung-min Son in his last season. Now, it’s Heung-min Son. He’s benefitted from the fact that Harry Kane’s left. But if he’s not there, then I’d have a major question about Spurs.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

It is funny how quickly pundits have moved on from ‘Spurs will really struggle without Kane’ to ‘Spurs will really struggle without Son and Maddison’. It certainly does not take a genius to figure out that losing your best players would be a blow to any side.

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The Tottenham dressing room certainly appears like a happy place at the moment, which is evident from the body language of the players on the pitch and the way they enjoy each other success.

The scenes after the full-time whistle are also further evidence of a harmonious dressing room, with the players making it a point to celebrate with the supporters. 

Cynics will perhaps say that it is easy for the squad to get along when results are so positive but there certainly seems to be a big shift in the mood at the club since Ange Postecoglou arrived.

That could perhaps be due to the new leadership group put in place by the Australian, with Son being handed the captaincy while Cristian Romero and James Maddison being appointed as his deputies.

Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker #07 Son Heung-Min (L) celebrates scoring the team’s second goal with Tottenham Hotspur’s Welsh striker #22 Brennan Johnson during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park in south London on October 27, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Heung-min Son is the life and soul at Tottenham

Emerson has spoken about the atmosphere in the Spurs changing room, admitting that the South American contingent brings a lot of colour and flavour to Hotspur Way.

The right-back told R7 (as relayed by Football.London): “Our dressing room is a little different. Everyone has a personality, there are people who are more relaxed, there are people who enjoy being more playful.

“The South Americans talk louder, the English are calmer. They like silence best. But the most vocal is Son [Heung-min]. I say he’s a fake Korean, he acts Brazilian!

“The South Americans, [Christian] Romero, [Rodrigo] Bentancur, Pedro Porro too, who is Spanish. We interact a lot, play music. Each one has their own characteristics, but we always try to bring a different bit of joy into the dressing room.”

Spurs Web Opinion

From the outside looking in, there seems to be a great mix of effervescent and calm characters in the Tottenham changing room and the new signings who arrived this summer have seemingly settled seamlessly into the new environment.

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The choice was clear, obvious and only needed to be announced. Son would be captain and that would be that.

Yet there is a reason that Ange Postecoglou is the Tottenham manager and I am just a bloke sitting behind a laptop (despite leading Vauxhall Motors to multiple Champions League on Football Manager 2013).

When Son was duly announced as captain, it was part of a leadership triumvirate. This is a relatively new concept and not something that has been commonly seen in football despite people being anointed vice-captain or being part of a ‘players’ representative group’.

In this system, Son would be the new sheriff in town, ably by his deputies, Messrs Maddison and Romero. In theory, it made sense (despite some chuckles from opposition fans), but time has proved that it has been a masterstroke from Postecoglou.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates their first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

By having three leaders, Anger realised, you can combine a range of characteristics to create one ‘super captain’ and also give all players a ‘link’ to a leader, be that be by position, age or nationality.

However, for such a combination to work effectively, the constituent parts have to work both individually and as a collective. So let’s look at what each brings to the role.

In all honesty, the South Korean was the obvious choice for the role of captain. He is the elder statesman of the starting eleven, and a player whose open devotion to a club is rare in this day and age.

In the depths of the darkness under Nuno, while Harry Kane was trying to wangle a move to Manchester City, Son came out and signed a new contract. To do so at such a time spoke volumes – he is Mr Tottenham.

However, his appointment challenges the traditional view, bandied about by a collaboration of pundits and former pros – that there are two types of captain.

Either you fall into the category of badge-thumping, loud shouting, heart-on-the-sleeve leader, or there is the lead-by-example player – an individual that lets his feet to the talking and inspires others thus.

Although Son does lead by example, that is not what makes him the leader he is. In all honesty, he is a modern man. Yes, he usually does perform, but when he is not, he is openly vulnerable and takes and accepts criticism.

Previously, I thought this would be a reason to not give him the captaincy – as it might be extra responsibility that he did not need. I was wrong and am a victim of my antiquated thinking.

Imagine the culture in that dressing room now. If you make a mistake, or are suffering with form, you have a captain, who will be there for you and seems as though he will emotionally connect with people – rather than just offering the same tired platitudes about ‘you’ll turn it around’ or ‘better luck next time’.

This is not to criticise others, it is to shine a light on the fact that, in a world of alpha males and hyper-competitiveness, you have a man who is capable of bucking the trend and succeeding.

Some may, lazily in my opinion, attribute this to his ‘culture’ or ‘heritage’. This does Sonny a disservice; the truth of the matter is that he is just a beautiful human being – I hate the phrase ‘one of the good guys in football’ but here it is apt.

From the moment he walked through the door, Son has been a bundle of positive energy. From his elaborate collection of handshakes with the likes of Dele and Kyle Walker, to his warm welcome of new, younger players such as Pape Mate Sarr.

Son’s personality also seems to dovetail nicely with that of Postecoglou. Some like to lean into the narrative that ‘Big Ange’ is a warm and avuncular character, however, he has made it clear – in various interviews – that he is somewhat detached from the players.

They love him, that is true, but that is because he is direct and unequivocal in his communication and his expectations and is not driven by his own self-ego. It does not sound like much – but doesn’t everyone wish their respective bosses behaved in such a fashion? Anyway, I digress.

In true Sonny fashion, he is more than happy to be part of a ‘leadership team’. Many would see it as a slight, or would feel that their ego was somewhat bruised at having to ‘share’. Sonny however has embraced the idea of a ‘team’ and made both Maddison and Romero feel just as important.

The fact that he was never part of the previous ‘leadership committee’ seems bizarre and wondering why may take one into more uncomfortable avenues of thought.

At the time, the selection of Maddison as vice-captain would have to be regarded as a calculated risk. Now, a quarter of a season in and playing like he has been at The Lane for years, it seems an obvious choice, but at the time it seemed like even more pressure on his shoulders.

However, pressure, it seems, is something that Maddison thrives upon. This is where he demonstrates his true leadership.

When Spurs are in the proverbial ‘pickle’, he has the desire, combined the technical excellence, to be that talismanic figure and drive the team on. He wants to be ‘The Man’. It reminds me, to some extent, of Gareth Bale. When the chips were down and all hope was lost, he would come to life.

Do not be surprised to see multiple Maddison-inspired last-minute reprieves in the coming seasons.

He is also symbolic of the new era at Spurs and represents hope, change and excitement at what might come to pass. A player not tarnished by previous disappointments or associated with past regimes.

He has that intangible trait of being charming and has already developed a strong relationship with both the squad and the fan base.

At the team’s nadir last season, I had never felt so detached from the club I love. It is incredible that having orators such as Ange and Maddison, who are so excited to be at the club can serve to reforge links that many thought might take years to repair.

Cristian Romero is turning into a Tottenham leader

So why is Romero a good choice? When I wrote my aforementioned article, I did not truly believe it myself (Spurs Web) but the arguments were logical at the very least.

In his role, he has stepped up as the main man in defence. He is their leader and acts as such. His plethora of fouls and yellow cards he acquired at will have all but evaporated.

For now, such claims about his commitment to the club seem to have dissipated. I am showing my age here, but he is still a boy – but boys quickly grow up when responsibility is laid on their shoulders.

There is a final angle that needs to be observed when looking at the leadership group as a whole – there is the bigger picture. Few places are more cosmopolitan in places of work than a Premier League dressing room.

In the current first-team Tottenham squad, there are players from sixteen different countries and three different continents (The Premier League).

Despite the myriad nations represented, the previous leadership group had a distinctly Western European feel to it. Kane, Dier, Hojbjerg and club captain Hugo Lloris compromised the group and purportedly the next inductee was to be Oliver Skipp.

Consider all the players in that dressing room who previously may not have felt represented by this selection. This is not a dig at those players, but an observation around diversity and inclusivity – we are constantly given the message ‘See it to be it’.

This limited selection could only serve to lead to a fragmented dressing room and the building up of cliques and factions. Now, the squad seems, like the peak Pochettino days, to be a united and integrated family.

Like almost every article relating to Tottenham at the moment, there needs to be a nod to the greater challenges and adversities that will undoubtedly lie ahead. However, you get the impression that the current guidance and togetherness will hold them in good stead.

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Son has really stepped up following Harry Kane’s departure in the summer, with the South Korean scoring his eighth goal of the season at Selhurst Park on Friday as Tottenham came away with a well-deserved 2-1 victory.

It was another professional performance from Ange Postecoglou’s men, who kept their momentum going and maintained the two-point lead at the top of the table.

Son’s goal was very well constructed, with the Lilywhites pulling Palace out of shape, playing through them from back to front before substitute Brennan Johnson laid it on a plate for the forward to thrash home from close range.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Even Ian Wright is a fan of Spurs’ Heung-min Son

Wright described the goal as beautiful and added that he was pleased to see Son keep his goalscoring run going.

When asked about Tottenham’s second goal against the Eagles, the Arsenal legend told BBC’s Match of the Day: “It’s really good and bad to see at the same time, it’s beautiful play from Tottenham. Son is one of my favourite players, I’m delighted for him.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Son is showing every sign that he can give Erling Haaland a run for his money in the race for the Golden Boot this season, particularly given the number of chances that we create every game.

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Bentancur returned to action ahead of schedule, with Ange Postecoglou surprising fans by first naming the midfielder on the bench at Selhurst Park before bringing him on in the 90th minute.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur and Son Heung-Min celebrate at the end of the match during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)

The midfielder’s return is a major boost to Spurs and now gives the Australian another world-class option in the middle of the park.

Bentancur is quite a popular member in the changing room, which was evident by the players’ reactions after the final whistle, with many pushing him to the front so that the Uruguayan could take in the accolades from the travelling Spurs supporters on Friday night.

Heung-min Son is so happy to see Bentancur back

Post-match scenes ft. Lolo pic.twitter.com/4rDDv62uQO

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 27, 2023

The midfielder took to Instagram after the game to thank those who supported him during the last eight months and admitted that he is looking forward to enjoying his football again.

When asked about Bentancur’s return, Son has now said (via George Sessions): “When he came on I was getting emotional. He is one of my good friends and last year when I suffer with injuries, he was always pushing behind me. I am really grateful he came back healthy.”

Spurs Web Opinion

This sort of empathy and care for his teammates is what makes Son the perfect modern-day captain. Having a leader like this will undoubtedly foster a feeling of humility and togetherness in the changing room.

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While the question of whether Tottenham can challenge the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title was first posed in a tongue-in-cheek manner a couple of weeks ago, it now seems like some fans and pundits are coming around to the idea.

The Lilywhites delivered another professional performance at Selhurst Park and had the air of a team who believed that they very much belonged at the top table.

In his post-match press conference, Ange Postecoglou refused to play down expectations, asking the supporters to continue dreaming, but he insisted that the players are not getting carried away by the start they have made (Football.London).

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammate Emerson (L) and Brennan Johnson of Tottenham Hotspur after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Heung-min Son is keeping his Spurs team grounded

That has been seconded by Son, who insisted that he and his teammates will continue working hard as see where the campaign takes them.

When asked if Spurs are thinking of a potential title tilt, the South Korean told Sky Sports: “Not at all [am I thinking about the title]. I’m experienced so I can’t just say we are going to win the league. You just want to stay on the ground and stay humble because it is early in the season.

“We just want to get three points in every game and then we will see what’s going to happen at the end of the season. We work hard, let’s see what’s going to happen.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While the players will be focused on one game at a time, they would not be human if they were not looking ahead of dreaming of doing something really special this season, given how things are clicking into gear.

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Apply this to a Premier League campaign and it means it is a large enough sample size for people to start getting excited – and justifiably so.

Let’s get it right then. A quarter of the way through the 2023-24 Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur are top of the league. Now the cynical out there, and there are a few, will point to similar seasons where the club had good starts and roll their eyes.

Indeed, last season was the best the club has had in the Premier League. But even the most partisan of fans must admit that the football was not good. We were winning games solely through the brilliance of individuals and that formula does not last – just look at Manchester United this season.

Quite rightly, I believe, I laughed incredulously when some people tried to make a comparison between the manager of month successes of Ange and Nuno. Nuno won his after three 1-0 victories. Now I will not take anything away from him for the City win.

But the subsequent performances over Watford and Wolves were turgid and lucky. Conversely, Ange’s draw and two wins, were jammed full with daring, verve and panache. Above all, there is a plan and a clearly defined way of playing.

Roll on to the ninth game and very little has changed. The team has stayed true to their principles and sit on top of the pile. Unlike those previous campaigns, you cannot point to any lucky points acquired. Admittedly, we were, for once, on the right side of fortune with the Liverpool VAR debacle, but based on the stats for that game, we should have won.

People may argue that we could have won against Arsenal, but conversely, we could have lost quite easily – so a share of the spoils was about right.

Thus, I am left with a dilemma. Do I, in true Big Ange Cult tradition, commit to a wholehearted belief that we could indeed win the league? Or do I err on the side of caution and play down the possibility?

If I wanted to consider the title a viable option, I could draw on the Leicester experience of 2016. Weirdly, there are a number of similarities.

Both sides only had a fixture list consisting of mainly league games. In the make-up of the teams, there are genuine comparisons. A free-scoring forward: for Vardy, read Son. A centre midfielder capable of dictating play and breaking up attacks: Kante/ Bissouma, and a midfield maestro capable of scoring and assisting: Mahrez and Maddison. All of whom played in front of a solid, consistent and well-drilled defence and ‘keeper. Even as I write this, I am tempted to believe.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Can Tottenham really win the Premier League?

Yet I can’t do it – for two reasons.

Firstly, the ability Leicester had that season to put out the same starting eleven almost beggared belief. Too many of our key players have a history of picking up an injury and being out for a period of time: Maddison, Bissouma, Son and Romero have all had significant lay-offs in the last couple of years, and an injury to one or more of those players could prove fatal to any potential title charge.

Indeed, the Fulham gamed served to illuminate quite starkly our lack of depth outside the starting eleven. Without Bissouma, the slick play out from the back was just not possible at the level it has been. Credit to Sarr and Hojbjerg for trying, but they do not have the skillset to receive the ball, spin on a sixpence and release the forwards in a fluid motion.

Not many do. This in turn meant the defenders, Romero in particular, were more profligate on the ball and were trying to force the issue more than they have done recently.

Similarly, if Romero or Van de Ven were to miss games, the drop-off would be significant. The pace, awareness and technique of our defensive duo has been beautiful to behold and has evoked nostalgic memories of Jan and Toby.

However, with Sanchez being sold the back-up looks bare. Ashley Phillips has been commanding a place on the bench of late and I wonder if he is showing something in training that gives Ange the impression that the youngster could be ready to step up.

Even so, he is untried, unknown and ostensibly a shot in the dark. Our full-backs have defied expectations and have performed at a superb level so far this season, but an injury to either, Destiny in particular weakens our team significantly.

Further up the pitch, it has become apparent that James Maddison is the literal and metaphorical heartbeat of this team. There is no one in the squad who comes close to giving us what he offers. The same could be said of Son, who is proving to be ruthless in front of goal in his new central position.

Indeed, the striking options beyond Son and Kulu, don’t scream out ‘consistent high performance’. Brennan Johnson is an exciting prospect, but needs to be given time to bed into the forward three.

The injuries to Perisic and Solomon do not help the cause, the Croatian, in particular, seemed to finally have been clicking into the player we thought we had signed.

Then there is Richarlison. Although I was never convinced that he had the ability to play for a top Premier League team, I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt. Sadly, the previous eighteen months have brutally demonstrated that Tottenham is too much of a step up – especially in this new way of playing that demands high technical ability, vision and subtlety.

All this could be potentially excused if he was able to convert chances. Unfortunately, he is not and it even appeared against Fulham that the opposition were happy for him to be on the ball, whereas Maddison, Kulu and Son were instantly harassed and closed down.

He is just not good enough and Spurs should cash in as soon as possible, because he will only depreciate in value.

The second reason I can’t entertain a title tilt is the quality of opposition. In 2015-16, Tottenham should have won it. Not only did they fail to, they came third in a two-horse race.

There were few viable contenders that year in all fairness. Arsenal were limping towards to end of the Wenger era, Klopp’s time at Liverpool was just in its infancy, and Manchester City and Chelsea were awaiting the arrival of Pep and Conte respectively.

Manchester United, for those that are interested, were in another fruitless transitional phase as they desperately sought (and still seek) to effectively replace Sir Alex Ferguson.

This season the calibre of opposition is much greater. The Manchester City juggernaut shows little sign of abating, despite the De Bruyne injury. At Liverpool, Klopp’s recent reinvention is in full swing and, as much as we hate to accept it, Arsenal are a formidable opponent under Mikel Arteta.

To be finishing ahead of one of these teams would be impressive – all of them, highly unlikely. Add into the mix teams such as Newcastle, Villa and Brighton and it looks like a tough league to be competing in.

I am loving watching Tottenham, but any fans who truly understand football will understand that Spurs supporters saying ‘Why not?’ are saying so with their tongue firmly in their cheek.

Certain outlets and radio shows will try and advance the ‘Tottenham for the title’ talk because it provokes outrage and debate. The truth is that this team need to evolve and improve without the added pressure of being identified as title contenders.

The future is bright and undoubtedly exciting, so let’s just enjoy the ride without worrying about the destination just yet.

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Spurs went into the clash against Fulham as overwhelming favourites but it is the kind of fixture that Tottenham sides of the past have slipped up in just when they had started to build up some steam.

However, the current side showed that they are made of sterner stuff, delivering a professional performance to move two points clear at the top of the table.

Goals in either half from Son Heung-min and James Maddison saw the home side cruise to a 2-0 win, and the first-half display from the Lilywhites was arguably the best 45 minutes of football they have played this season, with Fulham unable to cope with the pace at which they moved the ball.

Tottenham Hotspurs’ Son Heung-Min (R) and manager Ange Postecoglou attend a press conference in Perth on July 17, 2023 ahead of the pre-season friendly football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. (Photo by TREVOR COLLENS / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —

Heung-min Son explains his Spurs team talk

Son admitted that Tottenham should have put the game out of sight by the interval.

The forward told Spurs Play: “I told the players before the game, after the international break we always struggle and the team always struggles, always the results can change.

“I just wanted, Monday night, the fans, we just want to make them happy and with a smile on their face after the game, which we did and I think in the first half we probably could have scored three more goals.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There are already quite a few signs that we are going to be extremely difficult to beat at home and that teams will not enjoy coming to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season.

Our away performances have been a little bit more circumspect at times this season and the clash at Selhurst Park will be a big test for the players as it is a difficult ground to go to.

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Son has been taken off quite regularly in the latter part of matches by Ange Postecoglou so far this season despite being the club captain.

Some might have thought that it was due to the forward not being 100 per cent fit, but the Spurs boss clarified last week that he makes the decisions based on what is needed to win matches and added that he will continue to take off the South Korean if he feels it would be best for the side (Football.London).

Son once again got on the scoresheet against Fulham on Monday, producing a well-directed finish into the top corner, which was his seventh goal of the Premier League season.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur interacts with manager Ange Postecoglou following his substitution during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Gtech Community Stadium on August 13, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Son regrets showing frustration at substitution

The 31-year-old was withdrawn by Postecoglou on 82 minutes and he admitted that while he wanted to finish the game, he was pleased to see Veliz getting some minutes under his belt.

Son told Spurs Play after the 2-0 win over the Cottagers: “As a player, I want to always be on the pitch and I think this situation is a little bit of frustration.

“But I think when you see the player coming on, it should be a really happy moment because when you see the player coming on it’s a young lad who is working really hard in training.

“They deserve to play. I think when I’m thinking now I am just regretting it a little bit because I should give more support for them.

“But I think they did a fantastic job to get a clean sheet today as well and I am very happy to see young lads coming on to play in this fantastic stadium.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I believe Ange’s decision to ring the changes in the second half against Fulham was likely influenced by the fact that we have quite a short turnover before the trip to Selhurst Park on Friday evening.

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Romero’s talent has never been in doubt, with the centre-back producing some excellent displays for both club and country over the last few years.

Some perhaps doubted his temperament, with the defender often finding himself getting into altercations on the pitch.

However, so far this season, the signs are that Romero is starting to learn to control his aggression and channel it appropriately.

The 25-year-old has hardly put a foot wrong this campaign and with his pacy central defensive partner, Micky van de Ven, sweeping behind him, the former Atalanta star has been at his combative best.

Romero has also been able to showcase his ability on the ball in Ange Postecoglou’s system, with the centre-back often making some line-breaking passes.

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Heung-min Son is a big fan of Cristian Romero

The Argentina international has emerged as the leader of Tottneham’s young backline and Son waxed lyrical about his teammate.

When asked about Romero’s display, the forward told Spurs Play after the win over Fulham: “Cuti is just special. Just look at him, I could watch him all day sitting he and watch the way he plays.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I have been impressed with the composure and maturity that Romero has shown this season, which could be a direct consequence of him being handed the vice-captaincy by Postecoglou.

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Son and Leno have come up against one another quite a few times since the goalkeeper came over to the Premier League, with the South Korean scoring a couple of memorable goals past the former Arsenal man in North London derbies.

The Tottenham star got the bragging rights over his former teammate again on Monday after opening the scoring for the Lilywhites on 36 minutes.

Spurs won the ball high up the pitch and played the ball to the forward, who wrong-footed a Fulham defender before finding the top corner with a curled effort that gave the German no chance.

The Tottenham man then set up James Maddison, who doubled the home side’s lead in the 54th minute, slotting the ball past an on-rushing Leno.

(Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Heung-min Son likes to wind up Bernd Leno

When asked about scoring past the goalkeeper, the 31-year-old told Spurs Play: “He hates it! He knows me really well, so I don’t think about the friendship on the pitch.

“He hates it, after the game, he said stop shooting in this corner. Some days he makes unbelievable saves because he knows me so well because we were good friends at Leverkusen.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I thought both Son and Maddison made their respective finishes look quite easy on Monday as we see time and again that players tend to panic and fluff their lines when they have too much time to think.

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Son had what was arguably his worst season in a Tottenham shirt last year and, following the loss of Harry Kane in the summer, the Lilywhites desperately needed the South Korean to return to his best this campaign, which he has certainly done.

The 31-year-old has stepped up and delivered the goals for Ange Postecoglou’s men, with his strike against Fulham being the seventh time he has found the back of the net in nine Premier League appearances so far.

The Spurs captain also set up Maddison’s second-half goal, with the attacking midfielder slotting past Bernd Leno into the far corner after being played through on goal by the striker.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal with teammate Son Heung-Min during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Heung-min Son is world-class – says James Maddison

Maddison remarked after the 2-0 win that Son’s ability to produce top-class finishes on a consistent basis is what sets him apart from many others in world football.

The 26-year-old said about BBC Sport about his partnership with the forward: “We have a brilliant relationship. Sonny is a player who I loved for years and years, just watching, and now it’s a pleasure to play with him.

“He’s a top, top quality player. A world-class player in my opinion. And I don’t throw that around a lot, he’s just of that ilk.

“Just look at his first goal, it’s a wonderful finish, and you can’t take that for granted. He sticks it in the top corner, I know it’s from the edge of the box unopposed but you still have to put it in and he’s ice cold in those moments.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Even a lot of good strikers tend to panic when they have too much time to think in front of goal. You will never find that with Son, who always remains composed and gets a clean strike off with either foot.

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After losing Harry Kane in the summer, Tottenham needed Son to step up to the plate and the South Korean certainly has.

The new Spurs captain has been excellent so far this season, particularly since being moved to the centre-forward role by Ange Postecoglou, having found the back of the net seven times so far this season (Transfermarkt).

He opened the scoring for his home side against Fulham on 36 minutes, taking a touch to wrong-foot the defender and curling the ball into the far corner after Spurs won the ball high up the pitch.

Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

Heung-min Son is a master of the top-corner curl

Defoe told the Premier League website following Tottenham’s 2-0 win: “I don’t think Fulham have made it easy, Spurs have had to work for it. But when the chance came, it was an amazing finish. 

“What Son does really well is let the ball run across his body to get an extra yard. You know what he’s going to do, he’s mastered that finish.”

The former Tottenham striker insisted that the Lilywhites were fully deserving of the three points against Marco Silva’s men, given the intensity with which they played and the volume of chances that they created.

The 41-year-old added: “Credit to the manager, the staff and all the players. Ange Postecoglou deserves a lot of credit. The way Tottenham play, so aggressive, tactically very good and getting so many bodies into those central areas. 

“They create so many chances, the new signings have all been fantastic and everything goes through Maddison. It’s been brilliant.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Son’s finishing with either foot has always been there with the best in the world. While the forward does have some shortcomings as a centre-forward, such as his ability to play with back to goal, he more than makes up for it with how deadly he is when opportunities fall his way.

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It has been widely reported over the last couple of weeks that Son is not 100 per cent fit and that he is playing through a groin issue (The Athletic).

The South Korean was also seen limping at times during South Korea’s clash against Vietnam last week, although he did complete 90 minutes.

The Tottenham captain started against Fulham on Monday night and once again proved the difference in the final third, giving the home side the lead on 36 minutes with his seventh goal of the season.

The 31-year-old then set up James Maddison, who doubled Tottenham’s lead on 54 minutes to put the game beyond the Cottagers’ reach.

(Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Heung-min Son is scoring goals and feeling fit

Son played 82 minutes before being replaced by Giovani Lo Celso, and Spurs fans will be happy to hear what the forward has said about his fitness following the final whistle.

Here’s what Godwin tweeted about his conversation with Son:

Asked Son about how he’s feeling and his levels of fitness and he was very positive. Said footballers always have little issues. ‘In the last couple of weeks I had a bit of a knock but now it’s fine’ #thfc #totful

— Nick Godwin (@NickGodwinsport) October 23, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

Even though it sounds like Son is not quite at 100 per cent, he certainly appears quite sharp at the moment, much more so than last season, when he was noticeably moving a little sluggishly and lacked the kind of explosiveness that we have come to expect from the forward.

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Due to Richarlsion’s struggles in front of goal, Ange Postecoglou decided to move Son to the number nine role a few weeks ago, and the decision has worked a treat, with the new Spurs captain having found the back of the net six times since.

Since being moved centrally, the forward has also linked up well with Maddison, with the attacking midfielder looking for Son’s runs every single time he gets on the ball.

In many ways, the partnership is reminiscent of the impressive one that the 26-year-old had with Jamie Vardy at Leicester City.

Maddison said in an interview with The Daily Mail recently that he and Son have already developed a great friendship off the pitch and teased Spurs fans by remarking that their partnership will only improve as they continue to get a better understanding of each other’s games.

(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Heung-min Son and Maddison is a dream combo

Speaking about the England international, Melchiot has now told BBC Radio Five Live Football Daily Podcast: “You can see his creative brain, playing right behind Son is not a bad thing to do right. 

“He can slip him in any time, he has the pace he has everything. All that pace, I will tell you know that’s exactly what I worried about when I played against Stewart (Downing), I’m sure now that Maddison will be happy playing behind Son and letting him go in and use his pace.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The most exciting thing about the current Spurs side is the fact that it is not anywhere close to its full potential yet, given that the players are still adapting to each others’ games and getting a better understanding of the system with each game that they play. In addition, the players are also individually not at their peak yet since this is quite a young squad.

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It has been widely reported over the last couple of weeks that Son has been carrying a groin injury, which is why his game time has been managed carefully by Postecoglou (The Athletic).

While the forward did not play any part in South Korea’s 4-0 win over Tunisia, he did start their clash against Vietnam last week.

Spurs fans would have had their hearts in their mouths when they saw the 31-year-old limping into the dressing room at half-time at Suwon but thankfully, the forward completed the 90 minutes without any problem and even got on the scoresheet in the second half.

The Spurs star subsequently revealed that he had made it clear to South Korea boss Jurgen Klinsmann before the game that he wanted to be involved against the Vietnamese and that he could not forgive himself if he did not play for his country during the international break (Sungmo Lee).

(Photo by TREVOR COLLENS / AFP)

Postecoglou is a big admirer of Heung-min Son

Postecoglou has insisted that Son’s determination to play every game is a characteristic to be admired and that it has helped him get to the level he has.

When asked if he would advise the forward to occasionally have a breather and not take risks over his fitness, the Spurs head coach told Football.London: “Sonny is who he is and he’s got to where he is because of the person he is and I’m certainly not going to change any part of that mate.

“Because you take all these things in context: sometimes we want to change people but we don’t understand that the thing that has brought them to where they are is because of the people they are.

“So I’m not changing anything in Sonny. If anything you can learn from people like that. That’s the beauty of being in the position I am in – you come across different people every time you go on this kind of journey and you learn from all of them.

“The way he takes on the responsibility of not just his whole nation and he takes it very seriously, I think it’s commendable. Beyond commendable. It’s great.

“We’ve seen and we have evidence of players who go the other way with fame and fortune and kind of lose their way a bit. But Sonny’s still very, very grounded. He knows what’s important to him and that’s his country, his football club, his career.

“In terms of physical wellbeing, he’s well looked after here. He knows his body well. And he’ll continue to perform at the highest level.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Sonny has never been injury-prone in his career and has never really been out for an extended period since arriving at the club over eight years ago. So, I do not have that much fear about the 31-year-old pushing himself as I do about someone like Romero doing the same.

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Despite being Tottenham’s club captain, Son has been replaced towards the latter part of matches on more than one occasion this season.

The 31-year-old has reportedly had issues with his groin recently (The Athletic) and some have felt that the reason behind Postecoglou withdrawing him in the later stage of matches is to protect him from picking up a serious injury considering there have been fitness concerns surrounding the forward (Evening Standard).

Son also played all 90 minutes for South Korea in their 6-0 win over Vietnam last week, with the Tottenham man getting on the scoresheet in the second half.

(Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Ange Postecoglou explains why he has been substituting Heung-min Son

Some Spurs fans would have been concerned when they saw the forward limping during that game but he is expected to be fit to start against Fulham this evening (Football.London).

When asked about Son not completing 90 minutes for Spurs recently, Postecoglou has said (via Vavel): “As long as he’s still scoring goals I couldn’t care, mate. He’s scored six goals and scored for South Korea at the weekend. Son has got to where he is because of the person he is. I’m not going to change his part of that because you take all of these things in context.

“If anything, you can learn from people like that. That’s the beauty of the position I’m in [as] you come across different people every time you go along this journey and you learn from all of them. In terms of his physical well-being, he’s well looked after and he knows his body.

“I made the substitutions [against Arsenal and Liverpool] because I wanted to win the game, mate. I’m not trying to look after players; I’m trying to win games. If I think making substitutions will help us do that, I don’t care who it is. It doesn’t matter if that is Son, James Maddison or anybody else.

“In the games we’ve had so far, we’ve just needed different things, and – depending on who you’ve got available to come on – you make those decisions. If their maximum is 70 minutes in a game, then that’s fine. I’m more than happy with that.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Son is very much a team man and not someone who is likely to throw his toys out of the pram if and when he is taken off, as the 31-year-old wants to win as much as anyone else. Postecoglou is evidently trying to foster that sort of attitude across the squad.

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While Postecoglou has received plenty of praise for his tactical approach, having quickly got his Spurs side playing a free-flowing, high-intensity style of play, but one of his biggest strengths is undoubtedly his communication skills.

Tottenham fans will have already seen videos of some of the inspirational team talks the 58-year-old has given over the years (Optus Sport), and Maddsion has now revealed that the Spurs boss chooses the perfect words to get the players fully charged up.

(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Postecoglou is a master of the Spurs team talk

The attacking midfielder told The Sun about Postecoglou: “He’s a really good motivational speaker. He has this way about him, when he talks to a group of players, he’s almost like an alpha male. When he’s talking, everyone’s listening. You can’t even blink.

“The team talks he does normally the day before the game, or even the day of the game in the changing room, they get you going, they get you ready to go out and play.

“He’s demanding of you. He uses real-life stuff to compare to football. He relates it back to life and family. It makes you want to play, work and run for him. He’s got a natural talent.”

Maddison also opened up on his budding relationship with Son Heung-min, praising the way that the South Korean has stepped up since being handed the captaincy, and admitted that no player at Tottenham wants to let down the 31-year-old.

The England international also remarked that the forward remains extremely down to earth and warm off the pitch despite setting high stands on it.

When asked about the new Spurs skipper, Maddison said: “He’s someone you just want to give a big hug to every time you see him in the morning.

“Even when I was at Leicester, I didn’t know him but he’d come up to me after the game and we’d shake hands, and he’d give you a hug and be complimentary about me as a player.

“He doesn’t have to do that and I see him doing that with other people. He gives his time to people. He’s a warm person to be around and a fantastic captain because he leads by example.

“With him as your captain, you don’t want to let him down because he’s such a good guy and has such high standards. It’s infectious for the group. Sonny’s a great captain and a great friend.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The leaders of the dressing room set the tone for the team culture and it is clear that under the leadership of Son, Maddison and Romero, there is a real sense of comradery and togetherness at the club, with everyone seeming to enjoy each other’s company.

However, the real test of their and Postcoglou’s leadership skills will come when we have a bad run of form.

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After winning the Golden Boot during the 2021-22 campaign, Son had what was arguably his worst season for Spurs last time out, struggling to impact games or find the back of the net with any regularity.

The South Korean has since admitted that he was playing through pain as a result of a hernia injury, which he finally had operated on at the end of last season (Mirror).

The forward appears to be back to his old self this season, having thrived since being moved to the number nine role by Postecoglou, with six goals to his name so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker #07 Son Heung-Min (L) shakes hands with Tottenham Hotspur’s Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou (R) as he leaves the game, substituted during the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor in Burnley, north-west England on September 2, 2023. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Heung-min Son is a player reborn under Ange

Son has now been handed the captain’s armband and reports indicate that many at Spurs have been surprised by how he has stepped up to the plate since being given the leadership responsibility (Football.London).

Speaking about Son and the Tottenham players, Sherwood has now told No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast: “They’re the same players, yes they have signed Maddison who has been brilliant.

“Son looks like he has come back to life. You can guarantee they will continue playing this way, they’re a Harry Kane away from winning the Premier League.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The monotony of Conte’s training sessions clearly wore the players down last season and they were seemingly playing with fear rather than expressing themselves.

Son appeared to be more affected than most, with the forward not looking like his usual self for much of last season. He now seems to have his enthusiasm and energy back.

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With Hugo Lloris being relegated to a peripheral figure this season and with Harry Kane departing to Bayern Munich in the summer, Postecoglou had a big decision to make on the captaincy.

The Australian handed Son the armband and appointed Crisitan Romero and new signing James Maddison as his deputies, and the decision has certainly worked so far, with the trio leading from the front on the pitch.

It was reported by Football. London’s Alasdair Gold back in August that, while Son was a popular figure at Spurs, some at the club, did not previously see him as leadership material.

However, the journalist explained that those people have been pleasantly surprised by the way the forward has stepped up to the plate and taken on the responsibility since being made captain.

(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Making Son Spurs captain was a masterstroke

Mabbutt believes that the captaincy has brought the best out of Son as a player.

The Tottenham legend told talkSPORT: “Sonny being made captain, what a great decision that was. Sonny is a great lad. Fantastic lad. You want him to do well.

“The hat-trick he scored a couple of weeks ago and now you are seeing him getting involved more and more with players on the field. Talking with players on the field. Those around him respect Sonny and he’s got younger players around him now that he is a senior figure.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Appointing the new leadership group was arguably the most important decision that Ange has had to make at Spurs so far since it was going to dictate the culture around the dressing room, and it is fair to say that he has hit it out of the park. 

While Son was the obvious candidate for the captaincy, his decision to make Romero vice-captain has worked wonders, with the Argentine now showing much more maturity on the pitch.

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