‘Best shape I’ve ever been’: £22m Spurs player says he’s never been fitter despite being benched by Postecoglou

Heung-min Son, the Tottenham Hotspur captain and South Korean superstar, has recently addressed questions surrounding his fitness and his unexpected place on the bench during Tottenham’s last three Premier League matches.

Despite being one of the club’s most influential players, Son has found himself starting from the sidelines, with manager Ange Postecoglou preferring younger options like Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert on the left wing.

This decision has left many fans puzzled, especially after Son delivered a standout performance against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, showcasing his enduring quality and importance to the team.

Son, now 32, has now shed light on the situation, explaining that Postecoglou’s decision to bench him is largely influenced by Tottenham’s grueling schedule.

The Australian manager is taking a cautious approach to managing his key players, ensuring they remain fresh and avoiding the risk of injuries during a demanding run of fixtures. While there have been whispers about Son’s fitness levels, the Spurs captain has firmly dismissed any concerns, stating that he is in peak physical condition.

Speaking to the South Korean media, Son emphasized, “As I’ve repeatedly said, I’m in excellent physical condition. I believe I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been. Since we’ve had so many matches, I think my club manager made those decisions to create better situations. Personally, I feel great, and there are no issues at all. I just want to emphasize that I’m maintaining a very good condition.”

Despite his reassurances, Son’s recent minutes on the pitch tell a different story. Over Tottenham’s last six matches across all competitions, he has completed a full 90 minutes only once. In the other games, his playing time has been significantly reduced, with Postecoglou often introducing him as a second-half substitute.

For instance, Son played 74 minutes against Ipswich Town, 23 minutes against Manchester City, 72 minutes in the first AZ Alkmaar clash, 45 minutes against Bournemouth, and another 45 minutes against Fulham. His only full match came in the return fixture against AZ Alkmaar, where he played the entire 90 minutes and reminded everyone of his class.

Postecoglou’s decision to bring Son on at halftime in recent Premier League games against Bournemouth and Fulham highlights the manager’s reliance on his captain’s experience and quality when the team needs a boost.

However, it also raises questions about whether Son’s reduced role is a temporary measure or part of a broader strategy to manage his workload as he enters the latter stages of his career. With Tottenham competing on multiple fronts, including the Premier League and Europa League, Postecoglou faces the challenge of balancing immediate results with the long-term fitness of his star players.

For Son, the situation is a test of his adaptability and professionalism. Despite being one of the most decorated players in Tottenham’s recent history, he has shown no signs of frustration, instead focusing on maintaining his fitness and readiness to contribute whenever called upon.

His comments to the media reflect a player who is confident in his abilities and committed to the team’s success, even if it means accepting a reduced role at times.

As Tottenham navigate a packed fixture list, Son’s experience and leadership will remain crucial. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his ability to influence games is undeniable.

For now, Postecoglou’s cautious approach seems designed to protect his captain and ensure he remains a key asset throughout the season. However, as the campaign progresses, the manager may need to rely more heavily on Son’s quality if Tottenham are to achieve their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.

Fans will undoubtedly hope to see more of their talismanic captain on the pitch, especially as the stakes continue to rise.