Son Heung-min (Tottenham), who was evaluated as not working hard to avoid the dismissal of the coach, led Tottenham's victory while coordinating the quarrel initiated by his juniors.

The soccer record site Footmob rated Son Heung-min 8.0 after the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on the 14th (Korean time). In this match, Son, who started as a left winger for Tottenham, played the full time and was instrumental in Tottenham's 3-1 win.

Tottenham, who lost 0-1 in the first leg played away, advanced to the quarterfinals by winning 3-2 on aggregate with a decisive victory at home. Right winger Willson Odobert, who scored multiple goals, received the highest rating of 8.6 from Footmob, while Son received the fifth highest score on his team after Dominick Solanke (8.5), who contributed 2 assists, James Maddison (8.2), who scored the winning goal, and Lucas Berival (8.1). In another statistical site, SofaScore, Son received a rating of 7.3, placing 4th in the team after Odobert (8.9), Maddison (7.8), and Solanke (7.5). According to Whoscored.com, Son earned a rating of 7.6, coming in after Odobert (8.0), Solanke (7.8), and Maddison and Berival (7.7).

On the 14th, Tottenham defeated AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) 3-1 in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 for the 2024-2025 season.

Staying in 13th place in the Premier League, Tottenham has already been eliminated from the EFL Cup and FA Cup, so winning the UEFA Europa League is their only chance for a title this season.

Son Heung-min spearheaded Tottenham's attack that day, showing his presence. He played a key role in the opening goal in the 25th minute of the first half. After AZ defender Hooch rushed to clear the ball under pressure from Son, it deflected off Son's body and rolled to Tottenham striker Solanke. Odobert received it and scored with a powerful shot, leveling the aggregate score at 1-1.

As Tottenham sought an additional goal, Son even played a role in calming the argument among his teammates. Just before the end of the first half, during a free-kick situation earned by Tottenham, Maddison and Porro argued about who would take the kick, but Son quickly assigned the role to Maddison to prevent the situation from escalating. The British newspaper 'The Sun' described the scene, stating, "While the two players were at odds, Son intervened and organized for Maddison to take the shot." Fans who saw this reacted with, "That's embarrassing," questioning why there was time for a quarrel.

The argument between the two players also aimed to contribute at least one more goal for Tottenham. Although they could not capitalize on the free-kick opportunity, Tottenham's victory ultimately allowed all the players to smile.

In the 3rd minute of the second half, Tottenham scored an additional goal. Son Heung-min carried the ball to the left flank during a counterattack and made a short pass to Maddison, who accurately shot into the right corner of the goal. With this goal, Tottenham began to lead with an aggregate score of 2-1.

Tottenham conceded one goal. In the 18th minute of the second half, they conceded due to a lack of communication in the defense. Koopmeiners intercepted the ball and shook Tottenham's net with a powerful shot. This goal tied the aggregate score at 2-2.

However, in the 29th minute of the second half, Tottenham regained the lead. Son Heung-min received a pass from Maddison on the left flank and handed it off to Spence, who delivered a cross that Solanke touched with his heel, sending the ball to Odobert. Odobert succeeded in scoring with a right-footed shot.

Although 4 minutes of extra time were given, Tottenham blocked AZ's final counterattack, and the match concluded as it was. Tottenham advanced to the quarterfinals with a one-goal lead in the aggregate score.

Tottenham will face Frankfurt in the first leg of the quarterfinals at 4 a.m. on the 11th of next month.

Frankfurt advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Ajax with an aggregate score of 6-2 in the Round of 16.

Football London evaluated Son Heung-min by stating that he "contributed to Odobert's first-half goal with excellent pressure to win the ball and was involved in all three goals, showing performance worthy of a captain." The Evening Standard remarked, "He played a decisive role in the attack area and was crucial in all three goals," awarding him the highest rating on the team of 9 points, along with Berival and Odobert.

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