Tottenham prepares for future as Son Heung-min's role diminishes

British local media have reported that Son Heung-min's (33, Tottenham Hotspur) era is coming to an end.

The British outlet Football FanCast said on the 22nd (Korea time), "Under Coach Postecoglou, Tottenham is nurturing Son Heung-min's successor from within rather than looking externally," adding that "Son Heung-min is gradually likely to move away from the core."

Son Heung-min has established himself as a symbol of the club, recording 173 goals and 95 assists in 448 matches over 9 seasons since joining Tottenham in 2015. Notably, during the 2021-2022 season, he scored 23 goals without a penalty, becoming the Premier League's top scorer, and is currently leading the team as captain.

However, Son Heung-min has not been consistent in maintaining the level of his prime. He is facing the 'aging curve.' Football FanCast claimed, "As Son Heung-min turns 33 this summer, the necessity for Tottenham to prepare for the next generation is increasing."

In fact, Son Heung-min's decline in performance is evident in statistics. According to the soccer statistics platform FBref, this season, Son Heung-min's successful dribbles remained in the bottom 46% among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers, with a success rate in the bottom 27%. This marks a clear decline compared to his past strengths in penetrating spaces and breaking through defenses.

There were disappointing moments in the national team matches as well. In a recent 2026 World Cup Asian qualification match against Oman, Son Heung-min lost the ball while attempting a forward pass near the penalty box in the 35th minute of the second half, directly leading to a goal. He was also not actively involved in the defensive transition and was recorded to have lost possession of the ball 19 times in that match.

After the match, Son Heung-min said, "I feel better than ever in terms of condition," showing confidence, but the performance and results were different. The national team also drew 1-1 with Oman, having to postpone its chances of qualifying for the finals.

Tottenham is preparing for life after Son Heung-min. Football FanCast has identified academy graduate Mikey Moore as the next-generation winger. The outlet evaluated, "Moore is not just a potential player but one who is already close to being complete." Moore showcased an impressive presence through dribbling and pressing without scoring or assisting in the Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar, and James Maddison said, "He is a fearless player," comparing him to Neymar.

Moore has also achieved outstanding results in youth leagues. This season, he recorded 21 goals and 15 assists in 34 matches for the youth team, averaging 1.05 attacking points per game. The club's philosophy is also aligning with the trend of nurturing promising young talents.

Football FanCast acknowledged his achievements by saying, "Son Heung-min remains a great player and a unique figure in both Tottenham and South Korean football history," while noting that "when the time comes for Son Heung-min's playing time to naturally decrease, promising players like Moore can fill that role. Fans need not worry."

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