Andoni Iraola (43), the Bournemouth manager, who is mentioned as one of the candidates for the next Tottenham head coach, did not hold back his praise for Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) regarding his role in winning a penalty kick.

Son Heung-min played a decisive role in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in the 28th round of the 2024-2025 English Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on the 9th (Korea time) after being substituted in.

Son Heung-min, who started the game on the bench, was brought in at halftime when the team was trailing 0-1. Then, in the 39th minute of the second half, when they were down 1-2, he received a through pass from James Maddison and dashed into the penalty box, where he was tripped by the opposing goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Son Heung-min took the penalty kick himself and equalized the score. He calmly executed a Panenka kick straight down the middle, showcasing his ace-like qualities.

Son Heung-min's exclusion from the starting lineup appeared to be a consideration for the upcoming second leg against AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) in the UEFA Europa League on the 14th at home. However, as the team found itself under pressure, it became inevitable for head coach Ange Postecoglou to turn to Son Heung-min.

As the opposing coach, Iraola must have painfully felt Son Heung-min's presence. The defenders were unable to control Son Heung-min's movements, and the goalkeeper had no choice but to make contact with him.

After the match on the 10th, Coach Iraola emphasized in an interview with the BBC that 'it's hard to complain about the first goal they scored, but we should have defended better before allowing the second goal with the penalty kick.'

'Son Heung-min was very clever in that situation, but we should not have given him the chance to make contact,' Coach Iraola did not hide his disappointment.

Some Tottenham fans may find Coach Iraola's remarks interesting, as he is being mentioned as a strong candidate to succeed Coach Postecoglou.

According to TBR Football in the UK on the 9th, Coach Iraola is one of three candidates for the next Tottenham manager in the event that Coach Postecoglou is dismissed. It is reported that he is listed alongside Thomas Frank, the Brentford manager, and Marco Silva, the Fulham manager.

If Coach Iraola takes the helm at Tottenham, the relationship with Son Heung-min could become an interesting focal point. This is because Coach Iraola may have identified Son Heung-min's strengths and weaknesses during their encounter.

Coach Postecoglou also noted, 'Son Heung-min led the game with his brilliant play,' expressing confidence in the claim that 'important moments are for great players, and Son Heung-min clearly fulfilled that role.'

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