Son reveals reason for fine form

Tottenham forward Son Heung-min believes Olympic heartache has played a major part in his superb start to the season which has seen him become the main man in the side in the absence of Harry Kane.

Son scored the winner in a hard-fought 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League last night to lift Spurs up to second in Group E, and only one point behind leaders AS Monaco.

The goal extends Son’s excellent streak, which has seen him notch five in five games in the current campaign and three in his last two following his brace against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

It also extends a remarkable turn of fortunes for the 24-year-old, who came close to leaving Tottenham last summer, only to be persuaded by manager Mauricio Pochettino to stay and fight for his place.

Son had been unhappy with starting only 13 Premier League matches last season and there was also friction over his decision to represent South Korea at the Olympics, which meant he missed pre-season and Spurs’ first three matches this term.

The former Bayer Leverkusen frontman, however, insists reaching the quarter-finals in Rio, and losing there to Honduras, has contributed greatly to his recent form.

“After the Olympics I was very upset,” Son said.

“I was really down because I play for my country and want to get some medals for my country. For six months I was preparing but after Olympics I thought now I have to focus on the season.

“It was not easy but everyone, my family, my team-mates, help me a lot and that made me stronger than before.

“I had pre-season and I feel really fit. We played maybe four games at the Olympics so I feel very fit.

“It is true I am in great form and have made a great start but I have to keep working hard so I finish like this.”