Son replacement: Spurs could sign a £120m star in the making who’s “similar to Dele”

Tottenham Hotspur has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with changes both on and off the pitch. The current squad under Ange Postecoglou looks vastly different from the one Mauricio Pochettino left in 2019, with only Ben Davies and Heung-min Son remaining as constants.

While both players have served the club admirably, Tottenham must now plan for the future, particularly by identifying a long-term successor for Son. Recent reports suggest that the club may have found a potential replacement in a rising star who draws comparisons to both Dele Alli and Jude Bellingham.

The Need for a Son Replacement

Heung-min Son has been a phenomenal asset for Tottenham over the past decade, consistently delivering outstanding performances. However, age is an unavoidable factor in football.

At 32 years old, the South Korean winger has passed the peak age for players in his position, as research indicates that wide attackers typically excel around 26. While Son has managed an impressive output this season—scoring four goals and providing four assists in 14 appearances—his diminishing dynamism on the pitch is evident. This decline became particularly noticeable when he was deployed as a striker, a role that did not play to his strengths.

Beyond his age, injuries have increasingly plagued Son in recent years. This season alone, he missed ten games due to thigh and hamstring issues. While he may still contribute to the squad for a few more seasons, it is clear that Tottenham cannot rely on him as a consistent starter moving forward.

Consequently, the club must prioritize finding a younger attacker capable of replicating Son’s impact. The search has led to an intriguing candidate who could bring versatility and excitement to the team.

Introducing Malik Tillman

PSV Eindhoven’s Malik Tillman has emerged as a top target for Tottenham. The 22-year-old American international is reportedly available for a release clause of up to £33 million in the summer, making him a feasible option for the club.

Former Ajax star Kenneth Perez has even suggested Tillman could develop into a £120 million player, underscoring his immense potential. Tillman has earned comparisons to former Spurs star Dele Alli, with Pochettino himself highlighting the similarities in their playing styles and potential.

Tillman’s versatility is one of his greatest assets. This season, he has played as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, defensive midfielder, and winger, contributing eight goals and four assists in just 20 appearances.

His adaptability and ability to influence games from various positions mirror Dele Alli’s prime years at Tottenham. Such qualities make Tillman an ideal candidate to fill the void that Son’s eventual departure will create.

Drawing Comparisons to Bellingham

Tillman’s talent has also invited comparisons to Jude Bellingham, one of the most exciting young midfielders in football. According to FBref, statistical analysis of Champions League midfielders places Tillman as the third-most similar player to Bellingham. Metrics such as non-penalty expected goals and assists, passing accuracy, dribblers tackled, and attempted take-ons reveal remarkable parallels between the two players.

For instance, Tillman’s medium pass accuracy stands at 92.0%, closely matching Bellingham’s 93.4%. Both players also excel in offensive metrics like attempted take-ons and creating shots, with Tillman proving equally capable of contributing defensively. These well-rounded attributes suggest that Tillman possesses the qualities needed to thrive in the Premier League.

A Natural Successor to Son

While comparisons to Alli and Bellingham are impressive, Tillman’s primary role this season has been on the wing, where he has demonstrated his ability to deliver decisive contributions.

With 17 goals and 19 assists in 59 appearances for PSV, Tillman has proven himself as a lethal attacking force. His effectiveness in wide positions makes him a natural successor to Son, who has been a cornerstone of Tottenham’s attack for years.

The prospect of Tillman joining Spurs is exciting, not only because of his current capabilities but also due to his potential for growth under Postecoglou. The Australian manager’s dynamic playing style could unlock new dimensions in Tillman’s game, allowing him to reach even greater heights.

The Challenge of Securing Tillman

Signing Tillman will not come without challenges. Competition for his signature is likely to be fierce, with several European clubs undoubtedly interested in acquiring such a promising talent.

However, Tottenham has a strong case to present. The opportunity to play in the Premier League, develop under a forward-thinking manager, and potentially become the face of the club’s new era should appeal to a player of Tillman’s ambition.

For Tottenham, the acquisition of Tillman would represent a significant step forward in their efforts to build a competitive and sustainable squad. His versatility, creativity, and potential make him an ideal addition to the team. While replacing a player of Son’s caliber is no small task, Tillman appears capable of stepping into that role and making it his own.

Tottenham Hotspur stands at a crossroads as they prepare for the eventual transition away from Heung-min Son. Malik Tillman represents a compelling option to fill that void, offering the perfect blend of talent, versatility, and potential.

If Tottenham can successfully secure his services, they will not only address a critical need but also signal their commitment to building a squad capable of competing at the highest level for years to come. Under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance, Tillman could evolve into a game-changing player who embodies the future of Tottenham Hotspur.