He’s now better than Son: Levy must regret selling Spurs’ £29m “big-game monster”
Tottenham Hotspur has faced significant challenges this season, with Ange Postecoglou’s ambitious vision hindered by an ongoing injury crisis. The team finds itself languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, effectively ending hopes of securing European qualification through league standings.
However, the FA Cup remains a source of optimism, with Spurs set to face Aston Villa at Villa Park. Their Europa League campaign also presents an opportunity, having finished fourth in the league phase, allowing them to skip an additional knockout round.
Despite the turbulent season, an exciting finish remains possible, especially with Son Heung-min leading the charge as captain.
At 32, Son has faced scrutiny over his performances, but he continues to be a driving force for the squad. Since joining Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for a reported £22 million, he has amassed 172 goals and 92 assists in 440 appearances.
Postecoglou previously lauded Son’s “world-class” ability, and while his athleticism has declined, his impact remains undeniable. Across all competitions this season, he has recorded 10 goals and 8 assists in 32 appearances.
While Son remains an essential asset, the lack of quality reinforcements on the left wing has been a significant issue. Timo Werner, currently on his second loan spell at the club, has drawn criticism from Postecoglou, who publicly condemned his lack of determination as “not acceptable.”
Additionally, Wilson Odobert, a £25 million signing from Burnley, has struggled with injuries, making just three league appearances without registering a goal or assist. His dribbling success rate stands at a mere 32%, further highlighting Spurs’ struggles on the left flank.
Son, rewarded with a contract extension in January, requires stronger support and increased attacking depth. He no longer possesses the stamina to play at peak levels twice a week, and Tottenham’s inability to find reliable backup options has exposed this flaw. This situation draws attention to a former Spurs player who could have eased the burden—Steven Bergwijn.
Son remains a prolific attacking presence, as reflected in Tottenham’s goal contributions this season:
| Rank | Player | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brennan Johnson | 32 | 12 |
| 2 | Dominic Solanke | 29 | 11 |
| 3 | Son Heung-min | 32 | 10 |
| =4 | James Maddison | 31 | 9 |
| =4 | Dejan Kulusevski | 38 | 9 |
Despite Son’s continued productivity, his energy levels have visibly declined, as noted by pundits such as Jamie Redknapp. The lack of reliable options to share the workload has magnified this issue, and in hindsight, retaining Bergwijn might have been a better decision.
Bergwijn’s attributes would have suited Postecoglou’s high-intensity system perfectly. The Dutch winger, now 27, left Spurs in 2022 after struggling to make a lasting impact. Tottenham signed him from PSV Eindhoven for £25 million in January 2020, but he managed just 8 goals in 83 appearances.
However, his struggles were exacerbated by the tactical restrictions under former managers, particularly Antonio Conte.
Now playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, Bergwijn has rediscovered his form, registering 7 goals and 7 assists in 24 appearances.
His physicality and technical ability make him an ideal winger for Postecoglou’s demanding style. According to Sofascore, Bergwijn’s league stats this season include:
| Metric | Average per Game |
|---|---|
| Successful Duels | 4.3 |
| Dribbles Completed | 1.8 |
| Tackles Won | 1.2 |
His aggressive playing style would have complemented Tottenham’s attack, offering Son much-needed respite. Journalist John Cross once labeled Bergwijn a “big-game monster,” a trait Spurs lacked in recent fixtures, including their underwhelming performance at Anfield.
Football.London’s Alasdair Gold rated Son 5/10 for his display against Liverpool, citing his struggle to influence the game.
Tottenham did recoup £26 million from Bergwijn’s sale, but their reinvestment in Richarlison for £60 million raises questions about their recruitment decisions.
Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson described Bergwijn as “unlucky at Spurs,” suggesting that under different circumstances, particularly under Postecoglou, he might have thrived.
As Son enters the latter stages of his career, Tottenham must address their attacking depth to avoid over-reliance on their captain. Letting Bergwijn go may have seemed like a logical move at the time, but in retrospect, his dynamic style and ability to play off the left flank would have been a valuable asset in a season where Spurs have struggled to maintain consistency.