The voice of Archie Gray (19), who is being evaluated as a future leader, indicates that Tottenham still needs Son Heung-min (33).

The U.S. outlet 'Yard Barker' quoted Gray, who was recently named 'Young Player of the Year' at the '2025 London Football Awards,' stating that 'Gray did not hold back in praising the struggling captain Son Heung-min.'

Gray said through ESPN, 'Son Heung-min is definitely a world-class player. As a person, he is one of the kindest I have ever met,' adding, 'From the moment I first transferred to Tottenham, he spent time with me every day, having breakfast together.'

He continued, 'Honestly, I didn’t expect players like Son Heung-min or James Maddison, everybody in the squad, to come up and talk to an 18-year-old rookie who just came from the Championship (second division).' He expressed gratitude, saying, 'They helped me adapt really well, and everyone treated me incredibly well.'

Gray's remarks were from an interview held on the 29th of last month. He has emerged as a key player under manager Ange Postecoglou. Although he is a youth national team member of England, he led a defense that was crippled by injuries. He received recognition for his mature play at a young age.

Captain Son Heung-min's somewhat poor form this season has led to ongoing debate about his future. However, Gray's comments indicate that he remains an essential and trusted figure at Tottenham.

Son Heung-min's stay until the summer of 2026 has been confirmed under the 1-year extension option activated by Tottenham last January. Amid evaluations that his form has declined recently, Tottenham has shown a cautious approach by delaying a long-term contract renewal.

As a result, rumors have begun circulating that the disappointed Son Heung-min may leave Tottenham after this season. Local media have been claiming daily that Son Heung-min's performance is not what it used to be and that a replacement should be sought.

Nevertheless, amidst this, Son Heung-min's value is regarded as exceeding mere performance. Coach Postecoglou has also clearly expressed his desire to keep Son Heung-min with the team until next season. This suggests that Son Heung-min should not be evaluated simply by goals and assists.

Son Heung-min provides experience as a team leader and positively influences young players both on and off the field. Coach Postecoglou, who is not fixated on short-term results, is hoping that Son Heung-min will stay with the team to provide stability.

Gray is a prime example. He transferred to Tottenham last summer from Leeds United, which is in the second division. In light of being a promising teenager, it's clear how significant Son Heung-min's warm consideration and leadership have impacted him.

Tottenham values keeping Son Heung-min because he serves as a consolidation link that lays the foundation for talents who will be responsible for the team's future. However, it is also necessary to acknowledge that Son Heung-min possesses the ability to significantly impact the team's attack even if he moves to another club.

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