Director Postecoglou’s confidence in Son Heung-min

Manager Enze Postecoglou was confident that Son Heung-min was in the world class. He also said that Son Heung-min is underrated compared to his career because of his nationality.

Tottenham Hotspur will face Newcastle United in the 33rd round of the 2023-24 Premier League (PL) at St. James' Park in Newcastle, England, at 8:30 p.m. on the 13th (Korea time). Currently, Tottenham ranks fourth with 60 points and Newcastle ranks eighth with 47 points.

Son will try to set a new record in the match against Newcastle. This season, Son scored 15 goals and nine assists in 25 Premier League matches, as he was involved in 24 goals. If he gives an additional assist against Newcastle, he will achieve both double-digit goals and double-digit assists this season. Son has already scored 10-10 twice in the 2019-20 and 2020-21.

Achieving this record is extraordinary. Only six players -- Wayne Rooney, Mohamed Salah, Frank Lampard, Eric Cantona and Didier Drogba -- have scored 10-10 in more than three seasons in the Premier League so far. Son could be the sixth player to be included in the record. He also becomes the first Asian player to hold this record.

Postecoglou also believed Son could set a new record. "Son is a superstar. He is in the world class. He has had amazing performances for a long time in the Premier League. This year, he missed a few Tottenham games in the Asian Cup, and had such experiences. I think it is cool to play for the country on the other side of the world and maintain that level and continue to show such capabilities," he said.

"I think Son can do more. I haven't seen any cases where his ability or physical condition weakens. I'm sure he can still maintain that figure. I believe that when he finishes his role, he will be remembered as one of the greatest players in the Premier League," he added.

Son Heung-min spent nine seasons in the Premier League writing various history. He scored 23 goals in the 2021-22 season and became the Premier League's top scorer for the first time. This season, he achieved double-digit attack points for the eighth consecutive season. It was a record with only six players in the history of the PL, and Son became the seventh player. He scored 160 goals for Tottenham, ranking fifth in Tottenham's all-time scorer and 23rd in PL history.

However, there is often a debate over whether Son is in the "world class." Postecoglou thought Son was underrated for his career. "If he played for other national teams in Europe or South America, people would have different opinions. After all, when judging players, people also consider records of international competitions," he said.

"I think his career in the national team is also amazing. He has led the national team for a very long time. If everything is done, I think his achievements and the way he has walked will be recognized as reasonable."

BY: 토토