‘National treasure’ Son Heung-min (31, Tottenham) is playing through injury again.
Tottenham Hotspur won 2-1 with Son Heung-min scoring the first goal in the 2023-2024 English Premier League (PL) 7th round home game against Liverpool held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on the 1st (Korean time).
Tottenham rose to second place with 17 points (5 wins, 2 draws), surpassing Liverpool (16 points).
Son Heung-min, who started as a lone striker, scored his 6th league goal in the 36th minute of the first half.
Son Heung-min played only 69 minutes and was replaced by Solomon.
Son Heung-min, who scored multiple goals against Arsenal and played only 79 minutes, was replaced again
There was a reason. British media ‘Football London’ reported on the 6th, “Son Heung-min is struggling with a groin injury in the first month of the 23-24 season.
He has had a groin problem since last weekend. That’s why coach Angie Postekoglou adjusted his playing time.
It was reported that “Son Heung-min’s ability to play in the match against Luton Town on the 7th is in doubt.”
Son Heung-min scored a goal despite playing through injury. In consideration of Son Heung-min, Coach Postekoglou replaced him early and adjusted his condition.
Son Heung-min, who has a strong sense of competitiveness and responsibility, is stubborn and says he will also play against Luton Town on the 7th.
Postekoglou said, “Son Heung-min is not 100%.
I talked to Son Heung-min yesterday, and he said he would play desperately,” he said.
It seems true that Son Heung-min’s will to play is strong, but his condition is not good enough for the coach to stop him.
Although Son Heung-min participated in Tottenham team training on the 5th, it is difficult for him to participate full-time.
Fortunately, at Tottenham, manager Postekoglou is paying close attention to Son Heung-min’s physical condition.
Postekoglou said, “Son Heung-min said he would do his best (against Liverpool).
He could never play the full 90 minutes.
He was thinking of letting Son Heung-min play for about 60 minutes.
Son Heung-min played at the forefront and even took part in the pressure.
He was impressed by his pupil’s fighting spirit against Liverpool, saying, “He did everything in his power as a great captain by scoring a goal.”
Son Heung-min participated normally in Tottenham’s team training on the 5th.
Son Heung-min’s will to play in the game is so strong that he is likely to play in the game against Luton Town on the 7th.
However, if Son Heung-min overdoes it, his injury may worsen. 스포츠토토
Tottenham is expected to reduce the burden of his playing time by making an early substitution.
Tottenham’s Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, and Brennan Johnson are all injured, so Son Heung-min cannot rest comfortably.
Son Heung-min’s injury is an emergency for the Korean national team as well.
It is questionable whether coach Jurgen Klinsmann will reduce Son Heung-min’s dependence on him and take care of his body.
This is because Klinsmann has consistently shown an attitude of being overly dependent on Son Heung-min since his inauguration.
Klinsmann, who does not watch the K-League, also watches Tottenham games in the U.S. and always comments on the ESPN panel.
The national soccer team led by Coach Klinsmann will face Tunisia at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 13th of October and then play a series of friendly matches against Vietnam at the Suwon World Cup Stadium on the 17th.
Coach Klinsmann naturally summoned captain Son Heung-min again this time.
Son Heung-min’s skills and presence are irreplaceable.
However, controversies regarding injuries and overuse of Son Heung-min, who frequently travels long distances, are still being raised.
In particular, domestic public opinion is not good on whether Son Heung-min should play in the high-risk Vietnam War.
Coach Klinsmann must experiment with ‘Plan B’ assuming the absence of Son Heung-min in the Tunisia and Vietnam games.
Even if Son Heung-min appears as a starter, he must make an early substitution and prepare for various situations as to who and how to use the replacement player.
If Klinsmann forces Son Heung-min to play full-time for the meaningless achievement of ‘first win at home’, it could be a bad news that breaks the stomach of the goose that lays golden eggs.
If Klinsmann truly cares for Son Heung-min, he must be managed as thoroughly as Postekoglou.