BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has drooled over Son-Heung Min and insisted he’s like a “Ferrari” after immediately galvanising Tottenham on his comeback.
The South Korean was catapulted straight back into the Spurs team for their Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Saturday and responded with the winning goal in the 1-0 triumph against Newcastle United.
“Thank goodness he’s back,” Crooks told the BBC Sport website as he named Son in the his team of the week. “South Korea’s exploits in the Asian Cup took a turn for the worse, during which time Spurs went out of the FA Cup. Son Heung-min’s return to the Tottenham line-up was like pouring petrol into a Ferrari.
“Without Son in the side, Spurs looked like they were running out of gas. Yes, his goal against Newcastle was fortuitous. But Son is a class act and, missing the injured Harry Kane, Spurs are lost without him.”
OPINION
What a player Son is. He does not get the plaudits of holy trinity Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen, but the south Korean – a megastar in his own country – is barely less any influential. His matchwinner against Newcastle was his 14th goal from 30 Spurs appearances this season, 10 of which have come from 19 league fixtures. He’s a goal provider, too, adding nine assists, for good measure, and his pace, directness and quality on the ball provides a different dimension to a Spurs attack that is not renowned for its blistering speed. To return straight to the side and score the winning goal was heartening for the north Londoners who had feared another deep freeze from the 26-year-old similar to his September return after an extended international break. Son is a crucial member of the team, as Crooks pointed out, and he will be vital to the team over the coming weeks as they look to fight off the challenges from Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea for third place.