Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) has been suffering from unfounded controversies throughout the season.

The captain of Premier League Tottenham Hotspur, Son Heung-min, is being caught in the 'center of controversy' in the UK amid repeated speculation and excessive criticism. There are unnecessary debates surrounding Son Heung-min related to his performance, playing time, relationship with the coach, and even his exclusion from legend selections.

■ Controversy over remarks: Is saying "I'm in good condition" a 'diss to the coach'?

It all started with a remark made by Son Heung-min during an A-match press conference. Meeting at Goyang Sports Complex on the 19th, he said, "This is the best time for my condition," and regarding his reduced playing time in recent league games, he mentioned it was "the coach's judgment for a good result." However, some British media have turned this into a possibility of 'discord with Coach Postecoglou.'

'The Independent' and 'Football Insider' interpreted Son Heung-min's comments as being "in conflict with the coach's explanation" and that "the coach might feel uncomfortable," reporting it as a conflict scenario. In fact, Son Heung-min stated he respects the coach's decisions, but the media wrapped his words as 'internal dissatisfaction,' creating unnecessary tension.

■ 'Generational change theory' and 'Daesang target designation'

The controversies that arose earlier were even more painful. British 'Football FanCast' claimed, "Son Heung-min is a target for generational change," stating, "Tottenham already has his replacement."

In particular, introducing promising players like Mikey Moore as successors to Son Heung-min, they evaluated, "Son Heung-min is still a great player, but his prime as a winger has passed." They highlighted Son Heung-min's low dribble success rate by citing statistics. This seems to be an absurd frame linking the natural flow of age to 'poor performance.'

Jermain Defoe, a legend of the England national team and Tottenham, recently excluded Son Heung-min from his 'Tottenham Best 11' in an interview with 'ESPN' while including Aaron Lennon.

Son Heung-min recorded 448 matches with 173 goals and 95 assists, and was also a goal king in the Premier League without any penalties. In contrast, Lennon recorded 364 matches with 30 goals and 76 assists. Considering these figures, Defoe's choice received criticism from fans and experts for being "illogical." Some analysts suggested it reflected an 'emotional choice' stemming from disappointment in the current Tottenham.

■ Criticism of lack of leadership after the match

In the league round 29 match against Fulham, Son Heung-min was pointed out as the 'culprit.' Although Son Heung-min was substituted in during the second half and struggled, he could not prevent the team's 0-2 defeat. After the match, some fans expressed extreme reactions towards Son Heung-min, stating they wanted "to terminate his contract."

During the match, following an altercation between Mathijs Tel and a fan, criticism arose that Son Heung-min lacked 'leadership as a captain' because he did not intervene. However, this has been pointed out as an exaggerated accusation, placing excessive responsibility on Son Heung-min for an unexpected external situation.

Son Heung-min is one of the greatest forwards in Tottenham's history. However, amid the team's recent slump, he is being overly demanded of responsibility as the captain, and he has often become entangled in the media and fans' 'controversy creation.'

His interview actually expressed confidence and a sense of responsibility, showing he is doing his best both on and off the field. Nevertheless, the excessive interpretations in the UK operate as unfair pressure on Son Heung-min.

■ "Not the subject of controversy, but a scapegoat"

At present, Son Heung-min appears more as a 'scapegoat' in the overall team crisis rather than the 'subject' of declining performance or attitude controversies. The series of controversies created by the club's slump, the rebuilding process, and excessive media interpretation ultimately contribute to obscuring Son Heung-min's true value.

He remains a symbol of Tottenham and a beloved star to fans around the world. The real issue may not be Son Heung-min, but the excessive expectations and distorted perspectives surrounding him.

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