How much credit does Heung-Min Son deserve for Tottenham’s position in the Premier League? A lot, if you ask @TalkingTHFC on Twitter.
There are seven players in the running for PFA Player of the Year this season, one of which unquestionably is Spurs’ South Korean wonder.
Son, who has only played 19 of Spurs’ 25 league games so far this campaign, currently sits joint-sixth in the Premier League Golden Boot race, just two goals behind Eden Hazard.
Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, David Silva, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Hazard are the other players currently vying for that illustrious trophy in my eyes, and the conversation simply cannot be had without Son.
‘I can name 29 players more deserving of Player of the Year than Son’ – Adrian Durham’s view
He has now reached 10 Premier League goals for the third successive season following his heroics against Newcastle at the weekend. Few can boast the same tally.
The 26-year-old has now flown past 60 goals in all competitions for Tottenham, a total he has achieved in just four seasons in England.
So, why does he deserve that PFA prize over those other names? Why award it to someone that’s behind his colleagues for goals and assists?
In short, you’ll find few who approach the game of football in the same way as him.
In his 14th game for club and country before November this season, he netted twice away at West Ham in the Carabao Cup. His attitude and professionalism is, to quote Timmy Sherwood, ‘second to none.’
For the second time this campaign, his international duties have sent him across the globe to compete in two different Asian tournaments, the first seeing him captain his country to gold.
Did I mention winning that tournament cleared him of compulsory two-year military service in Korea? Thought not.
Twice this campaign, his absence has spelled trouble for Spurs, with their lack of spending across two windows leaving their squad depleted. Yet, albeit for less than 24 hours, the club sat in second place in the league table on Saturday thanks to him.
In his post-match interview with the club at the weekend, Son for the first time admitted he was exhausted, but went on to say that his commitment to the club will never waver despite his fatigue.
As I flick back through those other six names competing for the PFA award, I’m only confronted with Man City’s midfield maestro Silva (who has endured a traumatic year off the pitch), that can rival Son for sheer commitment to the game.
There has been no better Premier League player than Son since November. There just hasn’t.
It is often said the north London side struggle to find an adequate alternative to Harry Kane in the transfer market, with warming the bench an easy proposal to turn down. But, Son is proof there players around who can provide goals from other positions.
As long as he keeps up this form, Tottenham’s lack of spending in the window will long continue. He’s the gift that keeps on giving for chairman Daniel Levy.