Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is a target for generational change.

The British outlet Football Fancast reported on the 22nd (Korea time) that "Manager Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur already have Son Heung-min's successor. Son Heung-min's era is coming to an end."

Son Heung-min has established himself as one of the club's all-time top scorers, recording 173 goals and 95 assists in 448 matches for Tottenham. In the 2021-2022 season, he won the Premier League Golden Boot by scoring 23 goals without any penalties and is currently leading the team as captain.

Separate from the symbolic meaning of Son Heung-min, Tottenham is struggling and has fallen to 14th place in the league. The team was eliminated early from both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, failing to meet fans' expectations.

In this context, Football Fancast noted, "Tottenham's rebuilding began with the appointment of Postecoglou in 2023 and the transfer of Harry Kane, but there is still a long way to go. Despite numerous injuries and various limitations, Coach Postecoglou has moved away from the boring style of previous coaches, showcasing dynamic and exciting football, which has raised fans' hopes."

It added, "However, for him to continue this project, club president Daniel Levy and the team's leadership must bring in players like Mickey van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, and Lucas Verival, while also letting go of players who are not part of the long-term plan as per Postecoglou's request."

In doing so, the outlet mentioned Son Heung-min as a potential inclusion in this 'target for change.' It reported, "Of course, Tottenham may feel tempted to bring in an external successor for Son Heung-min, but the club's internal successor may already be developing."

Football Fancast emphasized, "No misunderstandings, Son Heung-min is a legendary figure not just for Tottenham but across the entire Premier League. However, just because he has performed at the highest level for nearly a decade, that doesn't mean he will always be irreplaceable."

The outlet explained, "As Son Heung-min is about to turn 33, it is natural for the club to start preparing for the 'next generation.' Of course, Son Heung-min has still shown his prowess this season with 22 attacking points in 40 matches. Nevertheless, fans feel that he is losing some of the explosive breakaway ability and dynamism he had during his prime."

It is a natural occurrence that Son Heung-min's performance is gradually declining as time passes. Football Fancast reported, "This is simply a natural change with age," noting that, according to a 2021 study by The Athletic, players in the winger position typically peak at age 26 and tend to experience a sharp decline in dribbling ability after age 30.

Son Heung-min is no exception. According to statistics cited by the outlet from the site FBref, Son Heung-min currently ranks in the bottom 46% for dribble success rate among Premier League attacking midfielders or wingers and in the bottom 27% for dribble success percentage. The outlet stated, "In other words, Son Heung-min is still a great player, but some of the key weapons that made him a threatening presence are gradually weakening."

Tottenham, preparing for the next generation after Son Heung-min, stated that "Tottenham may be interested in signing promising players like Mathys Tel or Wilson Odobert, but the true successor to Son Heung-min is already growing within the 'Hotspur Way.'"

It asserted, "That protagonist is none other than Mikey Moore. He has not had many opportunities to play with the first team yet, but Moore leaves a strong impression every time he plays. Especially in the Europa League group stage match against AZ Alkmaar, he proved his presence by continuously shaking the opposing defense without scoring or assisting."

In fact, James Maddison, who played alongside Moore in the Europa League, compared Moore to Neymar, saying he is "a player without fear."

Moore is also showing overwhelming skill at the youth level, having participated in 34 matches this season with an impressive score of 21 goals and 15 assists, averaging 1.05 attacking points per game. The outlet evaluated this record as indicating "a talent already close to being fully developed, beyond just simple potential."

Football Fancast insisted, "There is no need to worry after Son Heung-min," adding that "Moore is an ideal replacement who can naturally take over the role even if Son Heung-min retires or sees a reduction in playing time. In addition, the fact that he is a 'homegrown' resource who developed within Tottenham's youth system aligns with the club's long-term strategy."

The outlet concluded, "Ultimately, while it is clear that Son Heung-min is a historic player, Tottenham does not need to worry about what comes next. The talent to lead the next era is already being prepared."

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