Former Tottenham forward Jermain Defoe (43) has sparked controversy by selecting a 'Tottenham best 11' list that excludes Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham).
'ESPN' reported that on the 14th (Korean time), Defoe had an interview where he compared Tottenham from the 2010s to the current Tottenham. Defoe's best 11 list was based on players he played alongside, with the only active Tottenham player included being Mickey van de Ven. Notably, the choice to include Aaron Lennon instead of Son Heung-min has drawn the most controversy.
Tottenham news source Spurs Web noted, "The most controversial part of Defoe's list is the exclusion of Tottenham captain Son Heung-min in favor of Aaron Lennon. While it is understandable that Defoe favors players he played with, nearly no one would prefer Lennon over Son, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in the club's history."
The Tottenham team selected by Defoe from the 2010-2011 season reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, experiencing one of the best moments in the club's history.
Currently, Tottenham has been struggling, falling to 14th in the league, and has been eliminated from both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup (League Cup). In this context, Defoe's choice to compose a best 11 centered around former teammates has been viewed as an emotional decision.
Son Heung-min has become a legend for the team, having played 448 matches for Tottenham and scoring 173 goals and providing 95 assists. Since joining in the 2015-2016 season, he has recorded double-digit goals for nine consecutive seasons, and in the 2021-2022 season, he scored 23 goals in the league without a penalty, becoming the Premier League's top scorer, a record for an Asian player. Furthermore, as the current captain of Tottenham, he showcases his performance and leadership.
In contrast, Lennon scored 30 goals and provided 76 assists over 364 matches for Tottenham. Though he was well-regarded for his pace and ability to break down the opposition on the flanks, his scoring ability and attacking contributions are difficult to compare to Son Heung-min. Of course, Lennon has more trophies, with his only winning record being the Football League Cup victory in the 2007-2008 season.
Son Heung-min is seen as a player who will be remembered in Premier League history beyond mere statistics. In the 2023-2024 season, he continues to play a central role for the team, consistently scoring goals and providing assists, while leading as captain. Considering this, Defoe's choice, excluding Son, appears to be more driven by personal preference than by objective criteria.
As controversy around Defoe's selection continues among fans, Son Heung-min is still regarded as one of the greatest players in Tottenham's history. His achievements and ongoing contributions will remain in the memories of many.
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