Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has been warned offside more times than any other player in the Premier League, according to Freddie Ljungberg.
Ljungberg stated on Monday Night Football (November 27; 18:56) that the 31-year-old needs more time to adjust to his current role in Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
Son Heung-min enjoyed a memorable afternoon against Aston Villa on Sunday. Tottenham’s captain found the back of the goal three times. He was, however, whistled offside three times.
Freddie Ljungberg reacts to Son Heung-min statistic
Son has performed admirably since being designated Spurs’ new captain. And his job became even more crucial once Harry Kane left in the summer transfer window.He went on to score eight Premier League goals. But he could have had a lot more if he had been a little better at beating the offside trap.
No player has been called offside more frequently this season. When the data was shown to Freddie Ljungberg, he defended the Tottenham player.
“I think he needs to trust his speed a little bit more,” he said on Monday Night Football. “You can start short and then move on.” He needs to be more cunning about it. And, while I may be an optimistic person, give him some time. It’s not the same thing to play as a winger or a nine.”
Spurs can take positives from defeat
On another day, Sunday’s game against Aston Villa could have been quite different. Early on, players like Destiny Udogie and Dejan Kulusevski blew golden opportunities. And there were a few instances when the Spurs lost their cool in the final third.
Son stood out in the final third. But even the £22 million striker blew a fantastic opportunity by failing to recover Brennan Johnson’s slightly behind-the-back pass. Fortunately for Johnson, the raising of the flag saved him from embarrassment.
Ange Postecoglou will be encouraged by the fact that his club is battling with a slew of injuries and suspensions, yet they went toe-to-toe with one of the top teams in the division right now.
And as long as Son is fit and available, Tottenham has a chance.
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