Analysis has emerged locally that Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is nearing the end of his prime.

The British media outlet Football FanCast reported on the 22nd (Korea time) that "Angelos Postecoglou, the Tottenham manager, intends to replace Son Heung-min's successor not through external recruitment but by internal development, specifically with 17-year-old academy graduate winger Mikey Moore," adding, "Son Heung-min may gradually drift away from the core of the team."

Since joining Tottenham in 2015, Son Heung-min has established himself as a symbolic figure of the team, participating in 448 matches over nine seasons and recording 173 goals and 95 assists. Notably, during the 2021-2022 season, he scored 23 goals without any penalty kicks, earning the title of Premier League top scorer. He currently leads the team as captain.

However, evaluations indicating that Son Heung-min's skills are not what they used to be have recently arisen. Football FanCast pointed out that "Son Heung-min will turn 33 this summer. The club is at a point to consider a generational change."

The decline is also evident in the statistics. According to the football statistics platform FBref, Son Heung-min's successful dribbles this season rank in the bottom 46% among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers, with a success rate in the bottom 27%. The analysis suggests that his once strong abilities in breaking through and penetrating spaces are not at the same level as before.

There were disappointing moments in the national team match as well. On the 20th, in the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers against Oman, Son Heung-min was dispossessed while attempting a forward pass near the penalty box in the 35th minute of the second half. This incident led to a goal against. He also did not actively participate in defensive transitions and lost the ball 19 times during that match alone.

Tottenham is already preparing for life after Son Heung-min. The media identified the promising player Mikey Moore as his successor. Moore, a product of the club's academy, demonstrated his presence with dribbling and pressing ability in the recent Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar. James Maddison remarked, "He is a fearless player," comparing Moore to Neymar.

Football FanCast noted, "Son Heung-min is still a great player and a figure who will remain in the history of Tottenham and Korean football," while adding, "If his playing time decreases, young talents like Moore can fill the gap. Fans need not worry."

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