FOOTBALL

Heung-min Son: The Most Underrated Player In The Premier League?

Published

2 years ago

October 2, 2022

admin

Heung-min Son is an elite forward.

The Tottenham ace has scored 134 goals for his club and set up 75 more since arriving in England.

But he barely gets the recognition he deserves for his consistent brilliance over the years.

In the 21/22 Premier League season, he scored 23 non-penalty goals.

But that was not enough to get him a place in the PFA Team of the Year. Sounds harsh, doesn’t it?

Son’s phenomenal numbers

How good has the South Korea international been for Tottenham?

His numbers rival the likes of Eden Hazard and Sadio Mane, who were widely regarded as one of the best in the trade during their Premier League tenure.

Let’s compare the stats of Hazard, Mane, and Son in their first seven Premier League campaigns to understand how similar their performances are in the English top flight.

	Matches	Goals	Assist
Eden Hazard (2012-19)	245	85	54
Sadio Mane (2014-2021)	229	95	36
Heung-min Son (2015-2022)	232	93	46

As numbers indicate, these three players have been a neck-and-neck race.

But, Son does not get the level of acclaim Hazard and Mane did for their Premier League careers.

His lack of silverware could be a reason, but he did not set a foot wrong on an individual level.

So, it feels rather inconsiderate to write off his personal excellence because of his team’s barren run.

Heung-min Son does have his limitations, but which player doesn’t?

He is not the best pick to operate in tight spaces as he centers his game around running into empty pockets and exposing the opposition backline.

His inability to navigate tight spaces did not impede his effectiveness as a lethal attacker. So, that’s not much of a big issue.

Son vs Salah

In the 21/22 season, Son shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah.

Both players scored 23 goals to rise to the summit of the Premier League scoring chart.

But Son did it without scoring a single penalty.

Salah, on the other hand, scored from the spot on five occasions.

Son also had a superior conversion rate than his Egyptian counterpart. The Tottenham number seven had a conversion rate of 27% in 21/22, while Salah’s conversion rate was 13% in the same season.

That means Salah had to take more than twice as many shots as Son had to take in 21/22 to score.

Regardless, Salah made it into the Ballon d’Or debate, while Son could not even make it to the PFA Team of the Year.

Amazing consistency

It’s not as if Son had a tremendous one-off season.

He has been a consistent performer for the Lillywhites since he joined Tottenham Hotspur from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.

Apart from his first season, Son has outperformed his xG in all the seasons he played for Tottenham Hotspur. Even in that first season, he matched his xG. This proves how extraordinarily clinical he has been for the North London outfit.

He is also comfortable taking shots in both feet.

As of writing, he has scored 96 Premier League goals. 41% of them came from his left foot and he scored 55% with his right.

Son has a variety of finishing abilities under his belt. We have seen him cruising through a sea of defenders before rattling the back of the net. He also took goalkeepers by surprise by hitting the target out of nowhere.

Son is a Puskás award winner, which validates his penchant for scoring breathtaking goals.

Heung-min Son has performed on par with some of the best forwards in the world.

But his name does not come up often while discussing the top players.

Maybe moving to a European powerhouse will help him step into the limelight.

FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.