Tottenham Hotspur: A tale of two Son’s

Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min has been a revelation this season, his pivotal goals and timely contributions a major part of Spurs continued Premier League success.

Like most newcomers to England’s showcase league, it took some time for Son to adapt and acclimate to the breakneck pace of Premier League. But the South Korean gains confidence every match and is currently playing at the level expected of elite top-flight front men.

Son’s first Spurs season

It’s difficult to concurrently compare Son’s accomplishments from one season to the next, particularly because of the differences between the 2015-16 and 2016-17 Spurs teams. Having said that, the marked contrast in his production from his inaugural season to the current campaign offers some food for thought.

Transferring from Bayer Leverkusen, Son arrived at White Hart Lane a quiet, timid and agreeable figure. You could, however, tell he was driven and determined to make an indelible impression.

They say a good first impression is essential to a long, fruitful relationship. Well, Son definitely endeared himself to Spurs faithful from the start.

The unassuming assassin came out of the gate firing, scoring his first Premier League goal at home against Crystal Palace on Sept. 20, 2015 in his second Spurs start.

But things subsequently didn’t pan out the he would have liked. Son scored only three additional goals during the 2015-16 campaign, while adding one assist.

There was a pervading feeling within Tottenham’s camp and for supporters alike that, regardless of his low offensive output, Son had the characteristics to develop into a key part of Spurs family.

He is selfless, affable, and principally, unwaveringly committed to Tottenham’s cause. Son is the embodiment of a team player, whose main objective is predicated on helping Tottenham improve as a collective.

Watching a Son develop and grow

A breakout season, Son has elevated his game to eminent heights in 2016-17. He has scored 11 Premier League goals – five with his left, six with his right foot – this season. Scoring four goals in three games, Son is one of the main reasons Spurs have kept pace with Chelsea during Harry Kane’s absence.

Son has also chipped in with four assists.

He scored the late winner against Swansea, put the game to bed at Burnley and was a missed chance away from scoring his first Premier League hat trick against Watford.

https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/850732478268456961

Clear signs of a winning character, Son has stepped up in decisive moments.

He now has 18 goals in all competitions, which includes six FA Cup goals in four matches. He bagged his first club hat trick in the 6-0 FA Cup drubbing of Millwall, displaying leadership potential.

And while his stats are impressive, it’s Son’s energy and positive demeanour which make him an invaluable asset. It’s the intangibles he brings each day.

Son’s attitude doesn’t change whether he starts or comes on as a sub. Undeterred, the South Korean consistently puts the team before himself.

Next: Tottenham continue to find goals without Harry Kane

He also listens to instruction and shows significant improvement. More like a father figure, Mauricio Pochettino has taken Son under his wing. Their close relationship motivates Son further, making it easier for him to go the extra mile for his venerated manager.

It truly is a thing of beauty.

Moreover, Son is the only South Korean to score 10 goals in the same Premier League season.

https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/850862591803052033

The epitome of true professional, Son’s contributions have not gone unnoticed by Spurs faithful.

On the contrary.

Born over 9,000 kilometres away in Chuncheon, South Korea, it feels more like he is one of our own with every passing week, Tottenham’s adopted Son.