Owen Hargreaves has said that he prefers Son Heung-min down the middle rather than on the left as the South Korean is not particularly good at creating chances.
Ange Postecoglou decided to start Son down the middle against Burnley, with Monor Solomon playing on the left after replacing Richarlison in the starting eleven.
The South Korean served as a timely reminder of his finishing ability and his movement as he netted a hat-trick to help Tottenham emerge with a 5-2 win.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 02: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring the team’s fifth goal and his hat-trick during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor on September 02, 2023 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
On the back of Son’s performance at Turf Moor, Hargreaves has insisted that the 31-year-old is at his best when he gets the ball out of his feet and fires off a shot.
The former Manchester United midfielder insisted that Son is not as effective when he asked to create chances from the left, even though, according to Opta, the Tottenham man has created the third most chances in the Premier League this season with 16.
Premier League 2023-24 chance creators so far. pic.twitter.com/B7djuiv0BG
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) September 4, 2023
Son should be there to score, not create for others
Hargreaves said on the Kelly and Wrighty Show: “I prefer Son when he’s, I know this sounds ridiculous, closer to the goal and shooting. I know he comes off the left and comes inside but I do think he’s at his best when he’s taking a quick touch and finish.
“I don’t think he’s a good creator, a Kulusevski type. That’s why I think he’s better down the middle he can go left or right. I think he’s the best finisher with his weaker foot. He hits the ball so clean, he can go both ways.
“Everybody loves Sonny – he’s like the nicest guy because he’s always smiling. I think everybody wants to see him do well and I’m just happy to see Tottenham play some good stuff.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Son’s crossing with either foot is up there with the best in the world. However, I do agree with Hargreaves that the South Korean is not as good as he used to be at beating his man in one-on-one situations out wide.
I expect Postecoglou to persist with the 31-year-old down the middle over the next few weeks. Although he might not be good at hold-up play, there is no doubt that he represents more of a goal threat than Richarlison.
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