Tottenham star has lost his passion for the game, says ex-Liverpool defender
Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson has delivered a blunt critique of Heung-min Son’s performances and demeanor on the pitch, raising questions about whether the Tottenham captain still possesses the hunger to perform at the highest level.
Despite Son’s contributions in terms of goals and assists this season, his overall displays have drawn criticism, with his body language and lack of sharpness raising eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
Son’s dip in form is becoming a significant concern for Tottenham. While his tally of 10 goals and 8 assists across all competitions suggests a productive season on paper, his influence on games has waned considerably.
Once renowned for his explosive pace and incisive movement that regularly unsettled defenses, the South Korean forward now seems to lack the edge that defined his game for much of his career.
Even his finishing, long considered one of his strongest assets, has been inconsistent this campaign, leaving Tottenham supporters questioning whether their captain can still deliver on the biggest stages.
Ange Postecoglou, however, has publicly defended Son, praising his commitment and performance levels despite the club’s persistent injury issues.
The Tottenham manager has pointed out that Son has played without much rest this season, stepping up when the squad was severely depleted. Postecoglou described his captain as “outstanding” in recent months, highlighting his willingness to lead the team during a challenging period. Yet, not everyone shares the same level of optimism about Son’s current form.
Phil Thompson, speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, expressed serious doubts about Son’s ability to influence matches as he once did.
The former Liverpool player suggested that the 32-year-old, now in his tenth season at Tottenham, appears to have lost the spark and intensity that made him a key figure in the Premier League.
Thompson noted that Son no longer looks like the energetic and decisive player he used to be, raising concerns about his commitment and desire to perform at the highest level. His comments reflected a growing sentiment that the Tottenham star might be on the decline.
Thompson observed that Son’s struggles are not confined to recent months but have been evident throughout the season. He questioned whether the forward has the same passion and energy to compete at the elite level, emphasizing that Son no longer exhibits the pace and dynamism that were once hallmarks of his game.
According to Thompson, Son’s apparent decline epitomizes the challenges Tottenham has faced this season, with injuries and inconsistent performances from key players contributing to their struggles in the Premier League.
Amid the criticism, speculation has grown around Son’s future at Tottenham. Reports suggest the club might consider selling the forward in the summer if they receive a compelling offer.
With Son entering the final year of his contract, Spurs could be tempted to cash in on their long-serving star rather than risk losing him for free. While his departure would mark the end of an era, it could also pave the way for a rebuild as Tottenham seeks to address its recent shortcomings.
Despite the doubts surrounding him, Son has a history of silencing his critics. Over the years, he has proven his resilience, consistently bouncing back from dips in form to deliver match-winning performances.
It would be unwise to completely write off a player of his caliber, as great players often find ways to defy expectations and rediscover their best form. With a reduced fixture schedule potentially offering him more time to recover and prepare for matches, Son could yet prove his detractors wrong.
Tottenham, however, faces a delicate decision. Balancing loyalty to a club legend with the practicalities of squad planning will not be easy. If an offer arrives that aligns with the club’s financial and sporting ambitions, parting ways with Son might make sense.
Alternatively, retaining him for another season could allow Postecoglou to extract one final burst of brilliance from the forward, particularly if the team’s injury crisis subsides and Son is afforded more opportunities to thrive.
Ultimately, Son’s future at Tottenham will depend on whether he can reignite the passion and effectiveness that once made him one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards.
For now, his performances remain under the microscope, and both the player and the club will hope that brighter days lie ahead. The road to redemption may not be easy, but for a player of Son’s talent and character, it is far from impossible.