Son Heungmin, who was not the main character but was brilliant, was a disappointing performance? Injury aftermath + dedication to replacement

May 22, 2025

Son Heungmin, who was not the main character but was brilliant, was a disappointing performance? Injury aftermath dedication to replacement
ReutersYonhap News



Son Heungmin, who was not the main character but was brilliant, was a disappointing performance? Injury aftermath dedication to replacement
ReutersYonhap News
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min showed a dedicated performance contributing to the team's victory by playing as a substitute, even though he was not 100% physical.

Tottenham won the Europa League (UEL) final 1-0 against Manchester United in the 2024-2025 season at Estadio San Mames in Bilbao, Spain on the 22nd (Korea time). Brennan Johnson's winning goal in the 42nd minute of the first half decided the game. Tottenham, which maintained its defense until the end of the second half, secured a one-goal gap and achieved the championship.

Tottenham beat Manchester United and added a trophy for the first time in 17 seasons since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. With this victory, he also confirmed his advance to the European Champions League (UCL) next season.




Son Heungmin, who was not the main character but was brilliant, was a disappointing performance? Injury aftermath dedication to replacement
ReutersYonhap News
Son Heung-min was excluded from the starting list and waited for a substitute on the bench. Instead of bringing Son down to the bench, coach Enze Postecoglou formed the starting lineup of Hishalisson, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson.

It could have been a choice considering several parts. It could have been a substitute considering Son Heung-min's physical condition. Son Heung-min missed about a month due to a foot injury before returning from injury just before the final. He has improved his condition by playing in the last two games, but it was difficult to say it was 100%.

There was a possibility that it was a strategy aimed at the second half through Son Heung-min's long-term speed and shooting. Manchester United is a team that allows many runs this season, and considering the pressure and physical burden on the stage of the final, it could have been an option considering using Son Heung-min as a secret card in the second half of Manchester United's exhaustion.




Son Heungmin, who was not the main character but was brilliant, was a disappointing performance? Injury aftermath dedication to replacement
ReutersYonhap News
Son Heung-min was substituted in the 22nd minute of the second half when Tottenham led 1-0. Hishalisson replaced him as the left winger after collapsing from injury.

He showed off his light physical movement by showing off his sprint. Son Heung-min, who caught the ball in a counterattack in the 31st minute of the second half, ran until he crossed the half line in the defensive area. However, he failed to advance to the penalty box as the opponent's defense blocked him with a tackle. In the 37th minute of the second half, Solanke gave Son Heung-min a pass just before entering the box in a counterattack. Mazraoui's tackle stopped him before he caught it.

Tottenham put down the line in earnest by putting in defense from the middle of the second half, and Son Heung-min also focused on defense to block the opponent's loss rather than attack. Son Heung-min continued to show his team's play for victory by protecting the ball without overdoing it even when he caught the ball in front of him. He contributed to the defense without sparing himself to check the opponent.




Although it was not a goal-scoring main character, Tottenham's captain showed the best performance he could show.



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.