After seeing his side score just three times in the opening trio of Gameweeks, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino added to his attacking options yesterday afternoon with the signing of Heung-Min Son from Bayer Leverkusen. The South Korea international arrives at White Hart Lane on a five-year contract for a reported fee of £22 million.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Son expressed his happiness in securing the move and was keen to give supporters an idea of what they can expect:
“Spurs is such a big club and a really good team. My goal has always been to play in the Premier League and I have a great opportunity to do that now with Tottenham – I am really happy about this… In the Premier League there are a lot of good players so I have to really work hard and be prepared to show my ability. I like to play a passing game and prefer to work with offensive players who are dominant and can scare the opponents. I am right footed, but I’ve trained with both feet so I can use them freely. Bold and daring – this is how I like to try to play.”
THE HISTORY
After starting his youth career at FC Seoul, Son joined Hamburg’s youth academy in 2008. The South Korean made his big breakthrough during the 2010/11 season, when he scored three league goals in 13 appearances. After netting just five times in 27 league outings the following year, his form picked up in the 2012/13 campaign, when 12 strikes and two assists in 33 matches caught the attention of Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen. The 2002 Champions League runners-up splashed out a reported €10 million to secure Son’s services.
Son then enjoyed two impressive seasons with Bayer, serving up 21 goals and six assists in 61 league appearances, and helped the German outfit to two consecutive fourth place finishes in the Bundesliga. The Korean also produced eight goals and four assists in 30 cup appearances, including five strikes during the 2014/15 Champions League.
The new Tottenham signing made his international debut against Syria in December 2010, and played in all three of South Korea’s matches in the 2014 World Cup, scoring in a 4-2 loss to Algeria. He also featured in this year’s AFC Asian Cup and netted three goals, including one in the final against Australia, and was named in the Team of the Tournament. He has made 44 appearances for his country, scoring 11 goals.
THE PROSPECTS
The versatile Son affords Pochettino a couple of options in the attacking midfield three slots behind Harry Kane. Last season, he primarily featured on the left wing for Leverkusen, whilst the Korean spent the majority of the 2013/14 campaign in a more central role behind a lone striker.
Given that both Christian Eriksen and Nacer Chadli are regarded as regulars, Son, once settled, will surely climb up the pecking order ahead of the likes of Andros Townsend, Erik Lamela, Mousa Dembele and fellow new boy Clinton N’jie. With Spurs again failing to score this evening, Son’s eye for goal could play a key part in helping to turn their season around.
Looking at last season’s statistics, Son registered 2.1 shots per match for Bayer, better than both N’jie (1.6) and Chadli (1.5), although less than Eriksen’s 2.6 goal attempts per game. On the other hand, the Dane produced far more efforts from distance (1.8) than the Korean the South Korean.
In terms of chances created, Eriksen again led the way last term, racking up 2.2 per match, while Son registered 1.3 key passes per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. That number was better than both Chadli (1.2) and N’jie (0.8), though. Furthermore, his work ethic is highlighted by an average of 1.2 tackles per appearance, which indicates he’ll have no issues with Pochettino’s high pressing approach.
The major downside for Son’s Fantasy prospects in the fact he’s been classified as an 8.0 priced forward in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).
Given that Sergio Aguero remains nailed-on for many – despite his slow start to the season – Fantasy managers have just two slots to play with in our three-man frontlines. With Kane set to retain the lone striker role at Spurs, few will be prepared to invest in Son as a reverse out of position prospect.
Tottenham’s upcoming fixtures (sun, CPL, MCI, swa, LIV, bou) are also fairly mixed and, given their stuttering start, it’s difficult to back them with any real conviction right now.
It’s not until Gameweek 15 onwards that Spurs’ schedule turns favourably and certainly by then we should have a fair indication of the South Korean’s impact. Whilst there’s no denying Son’s talents, with the likes of Chadli, at 7.0 in midfield, and Kane offering an (albeit more expensive) advanced option up front, it’s fair to say the new boy faces a tough task to convince Fantasy managers he could be worth considering.
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