[엑스포츠뉴스 김희웅 인턴기자] Who will fill the void of Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)?
British media football London on the 16th (Korean time) picked those who could replace Son Heung-min in the team with the title of ‘5 players who can take advantage of Son Heung-min’s injury gap.’
Tottenham lost 1-2 to rival Arsenal in Round 28 of the English Premier League (EPL) of the 2020/21 season held at the Emirates Stadium in London, England on the 15th. Tottenham (45 points), who had won three EPL games in a row before losing against Arsenal, did not have a good mood.
It was a painful defeat. Ace Son Heung-min’s injury is a bigger ordeal than losing victory points. On this day, Son Heung-min formed a triangular flight with Harry Kane and Gareth Bale.
There was a bad news in the beginning of the game. In the 17th minute of the first half, Son Heung-min suffered a hamstring injury while sprinting to receive Toby Alderweireld’s long pass. He sat down on the ground while touching the muscles behind his thigh, and coach Jose Mourinho immediately removed Son Heung-min and put Eric Lamela in.
The test results are not yet known. After the game, coach Mourinho said, “I don’t know how long it will take (recovery). Muscle was injured. Muscle injuries are usually not easy.”
For the time being, the schedule should be digested without Son Heung-min. Football London said, “Son Heung-min has become the centerpiece of the Spurs with 18 goals and 16 assists this season. It is almost impossible to replace Son Heung-min, but Mourinho has several options to choose from.”
The media cited Stephen Verbine, Delhi Ali, Giovanni Law Selso, Carlos Vinicius, and Eric Lamela as the five people to seize the opportunity.
The Verbain’s name came first. The media explained, “He’s Son Heung-min as the most promising candidate to fill the gap.” Verbain won one spot in the second line at the beginning of the season. The overall movement and performance were good, but there were regrets, such as failing to score at a decisive scoring chance. I earned only 2 assists after playing 16 league games this season.
Among them, Vinicius is the front-line striker. The media believed that Vinicius could play on the left at the request of coach Mourinho.
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