Shining Son’s Asia Cup absence could disrupt Spurs’ ambitions

Heung Min Son is set to leave Tottenham for the 2019 Asia Cup games in the United Arab Emirates at the conclusion of Tottenham’s tie against Manchester United on January 13th.

Son will miss his side’s first two fixtures of the competition as South Korea look to overhaul current champions Australia to win their first Asia Cup since 1960.

Tottenham fans will be hoping the Taegeuk Warriors fail to reach the final in order to get Son back early, especially considering the four competitions they still hope to compete in.

Their Asian star will potentially miss he Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against London rivals Chelsea, league games against Fulham, Newcastle and Watford whilst also missing a fourth round FA Cup tie should Spurs progress.

This is not the first time this season Spurs have allowed Son to join up with his beloved national side, allowing the 26-year-old to play in the Asia games which by winning secured him exemption from serving in the Korean military.

The former Bayer Leverkusen player has seven goals to his name already in the Premier League including the goal of the month for November, a fantastic solo goal in Tottenham’s impressive 3-1 win over Chelsea.

His manager Mauricio Pochettino has been full of praise for one of his most clinical forwards, a player who has now netted 57 times in 164 appearances for the club, stating this in a post-match press conference.

“Two words. Un-believable. What can I say, Sonny is doing a fantastic job for the team.

“After November he had a rest and was here trying to recover his best and I think he is doing fantastic.”

The absence of Son places a further burden on England striker Harry Kane, who when rested, which isn’t often by Mauricio Pochettino, is replaced by the South Korean when often preferred to elder statesman Fernando Llorente.

With the January transfer window just around the corner and rumours circling that Llorente has agreed a deal to sign with Turkish giants Galatasaray, Pochettino may be forced to strengthen. With Son on international duty an injury to Spurs’ star striker Kane would surely leave Pochettino scrambling for options in the transfer market. It remains to be seen whether the ever-stringent Daniel Levy would be forthcoming with funds to finance a move for new players in January as stadium issues continue to drag on.

Son has been a worthy back up to the World Cup golden boot winner in the past, winning Premier League Player of the Month for September 2016 when leading the line, netting four goals and providing one assist in Kane’s absence. He again shone brightest later in the same season, picking up April’s award after again filling the void of England’s frontman.

Tottenham’s injury list has mounted this season and may well have been a contributing factor in their recent 3-1 loss to Wolves. Son’s absence only adds another headache for Pochettino, as his rotation options become more limited by the week.

Son became the first Asian player to ever win the Premier League Player of the Month award and has now won it on two occasions – September 2016 and April 2017 (Photo: Premier League)

After struggling in his first season in English football and considering leaving, the South Korean has become a sensation earning acclaim from across the globe, contributing to a Spurs side that has become a formidable force within the Premier League.

The two-time AFC Asian International player of the year has now netted over 50 goals for the white side of north London and his presence will be sorely missed by Pochettino’s side. His direct running and killer speed are almost unrivalled within the Tottenham squad with perhaps only Brazilian winger Lucas Moura claiming to possess some of the attributes that makes Son such a threat to opposing defenders.

Despite the fantastic job Pochettino has done since arriving in north London, on limited resources in comparison to their top six rivals, you would have to question how successful his team can be given the injury list and Son’s departure weakening his already thin squad.

The depth of his Spurs side was examined come the conclusion of the summer transfer window, a summer which saw no arrivals at Hotspur Way leading many to believe Tottenham didn’t have a chance of challenging for the silverware they have craved since winning the Carling Cup back in 2008.

Their Argentine coach also likes to allow players time to settle in, seen with Lucas Moura last January, playing a bit-part role until the summer rolls around in order to get up to speed with the expectations required at the club.

It remains to be seen the importance Son’s break from club football will have on the team, but it may test that squad depth more than ever and become Poch’s toughest test yet as his side look to remain competitive on all fronts.