After his captain scored a hat-trick in the 5-2 win against Burnley today, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou revealed that Heung-min Son’s ability to play through the middle is partly why he didn’t sign a striker in the transfer window.
Since the departure of Harry Kane at the start of August, speculation has been rife that Tottenham would look to sign a new striker to replace the club’s all-time top goalscorer (GOAL).
However, with the transfer window now shut, the only further attacking addition to Ange Postecoglou‘s squad was Brennan Johnson. The young Welshman signed for Spurs on deadline day, but operates more as a right-winger than a traditional forward.
So far this season, Postecoglou has relied on Richarlison to lead the line. But, with the Brazilian yet to score, the Spurs boss opted to start the game against Burnley with Heung-min Son in the centre-forward position.
Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker #07 Son Heung-Min celebrates scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor in Burnley, north-west England on September 2, 2023. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Will Son play as Tottenham’s number 9?
That decision was clearly the right one, as Son delivered a fine hat-trick to give his side all three points at Turf Moor this afternoon. Speaking after the 5-2 win, Postecoglou was asked whether Son’s ability to play through the middle influenced his choice not to sign a new striker.
He told Football.London: “It’s not exactly why but it’s one of the reasons.
“I’ve got a picture in my head of what I want the team to look like and I keep saying that we’re still at the beginning, we’re still building and there’s still a lot to be done. It’s about putting all the pieces together and at the same time not neglecting what’s right in front of you.
“There are some really good footballers at this club and I think they have the ability to play in the way this team needs to set up. Sonny whether he’s playing central or wide, he’s got all the characteristics – mate he can play in any system – but the way we play he’s ideal.”
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It would take a brave man to drop Sonny from that central position after that display today. Obviously, Richarlison got his goal in midweek, too, and was more than likely just being rested today, but he is going to find it very hard to displace his teammate in that role now.
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