Son Heung-min silenced doubts and proved his form by scoring two crucial goals for Tottenham Hotspur in their 3-2 win over Hoffenheim in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) League Phase Matchday 7 on January 24 (KST) at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, Germany.
With this victory, Tottenham climbed to 14 points in the group stage, securing a strong position to advance to the Round of 16.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Son started as the left winger and delivered an exceptional performance, scoring in the 22nd and 77th minutes before being substituted in the 79th minute. These goals marked his 9th and 10th of the season, tallying six in the Premier League, one in the League Cup, and three in the Europa League. This feat also secured Son his 9th consecutive season with double-digit goals since the 2016-2017 season, solidifying his consistency as a top-tier player.
Earlier this season, concerns about Son’s form and potential decline due to the "aging curve" were raised amid Tottenham’s struggles. However, his brace in the Europa League not only dispelled those concerns but also demonstrated his resilience.
Son’s stellar performance earned him the highest rating of the match, 8.7, from football statistics platform SofaScore. His teammate James Maddison, who contributed a goal and an assist, followed closely with a rating of 8.5. Football London also praised Son, awarding him an 8, stating, “He delivered excellent runs and was rewarded with two crucial goals—exactly what Tottenham needed.”
Post-match, Son expressed his gratitude and determination on Instagram, writing, “The senior players are taking ownership, and the young lads are handling big responsibility. It’s been a difficult moment, but the way to get right is to play right. Next up. Let’s go.”
Son’s resurgence is not only good news for Tottenham but also a positive development for the South Korean national team ahead of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers in March. With only the top two teams in each group advancing to the World Cup finals, his performance will be critical for Korea’s campaign.
In the 22nd minute, Son opened the scoring with a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, giving Tottenham a 1-0 lead. Later, with Tottenham clinging to a 2-1 advantage, he struck again in the 77th minute, once more from the left side of the box, blasting a powerful left-footed shot to seal his 10th goal of the season.
Son’s return to form is a promising sign for club and country as he continues to showcase why he remains one of the most reliable forwards in world football.