‘He’s a bad one’: Jamie O’Hara tells Postecoglou to replace one Tottenham player right now
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2024/25 season has been nothing short of disappointing. Despite Ange Postecoglou’s earlier assertion that he tends to secure silverware in his second campaign, Spurs’ recent form suggests they are unlikely to end their trophy drought this season.
With only one win in their last seven matches across all competitions, Tottenham currently sit 11th in the Premier League and ninth in the Europa League group standings, far below expectations for a club of their stature.
The team’s struggles extend to individual performances, with several players underwhelming this season. Among them, Heung-min Son, one of Tottenham’s most iconic players in recent years, has drawn criticism.
Signed in 2015 during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure, Son quickly became a fan favorite. Over the years, he has delivered consistently, contributing 255 direct goal involvements in 424 appearances across all competitions—a remarkable feat, particularly for a player often deployed on the wing. However, his output this season has raised concerns.
Son has scored just five goals in 16 appearances this term, a significant dip compared to his usual standards. This has prompted pundit Jamie O’Hara to voice his doubts about Son’s current ability.
In November, O’Hara controversially declared that Son was no longer a world-class player, a sentiment he has since doubled down on. Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Hara expressed his belief that Son has declined, stating that Tottenham should consider finding a replacement.
He acknowledged Son’s past brilliance but argued that the South Korean forward no longer possesses the pace, sharpness, or ability to take on defenders that once made him so dangerous. While O’Hara conceded that Son can still deliver moments of quality, he maintained that the player is no longer the force he was in previous seasons.
Criticism of Son has divided opinion, especially given his contributions over the years. While it is true that his form has dipped, some argue that it is premature to dismiss his value entirely.
Injuries have undoubtedly hindered his performances this season, and a closer look at his underlying statistics reveals a player who is not far off his previous standards.
In the 2023/24 Premier League season, Son scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists, averaging 2.4 shots, 1.9 key passes, and 1.1 dribbles per game. He was dispossessed 1.2 times per 90 minutes. This season, his numbers show a slight decline, with four goals and four assists so far in the league.
His averages include 1.9 shots, 2.1 key passes, and 1.4 dribbles per game, while he has been dispossessed just 0.8 times per match. While his goal contributions per game have dropped slightly—from one every 109.1 minutes last season to one every 117.75 minutes this term—the difference is not drastic.
These stats suggest that Son’s performances are not as dire as critics like O’Hara claim. He remains an influential player capable of creating chances and contributing to the team’s attack.
It’s also worth noting that Tottenham’s overall struggles have likely impacted individual performances, making it unfair to single out Son as the primary issue. The team’s form has dipped collectively, and players like Son often bear the brunt of criticism due to their high expectations.
Writing off a player of Son’s caliber based on a challenging season seems premature. He has proven his quality repeatedly over the years and continues to show glimpses of his ability to influence games.
With time and better support from the team, Son could rediscover his best form. Spurs, meanwhile, must address their broader issues, including inconsistent performances and a lack of depth in key areas, to turn their season around.
The road ahead for Tottenham will not be easy. Postecoglou faces mounting pressure to deliver results as the team languishes mid-table in both domestic and European competitions. For Son, this period represents an opportunity to silence his critics and prove that he still has much to offer.
If Tottenham can regain their rhythm and provide the right conditions for their star players to thrive, there’s every chance they can salvage something from an otherwise bleak campaign. For now, patience and resilience will be key, both for Son and for a Tottenham side searching for solutions amidst their ongoing struggles.