Ange Postecoglou has provided a positive update about Heung-min Son’s fitness and sharpness ahead of the Europa League final and has explained why the South Korean’s return is a major boost to Tottenham amidst their recent circumstances.
Son never appeared to be at risk of missing the Europa League final and was always scheduled to return in time from his foot injury.
However, nevertheless, it would have been a pleasing sight for the Tottenham coaching staff to have seen their captain play at maximum intensity ahead of the Europa League final, following his cameo against Crystal Palace.
Ahead of the game against Aston Villa, Postecoglou hinted that Son had to prove his fitness to start the Europa League final, and the Australian has now revealed if the South Korean passed the test at Villa Park.
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Ange Postecoglou is delighted to have a fit Heung-min Son back
Postecoglou admitted that it was very important to have Son play nearly a full game before the final and revealed that the 32-year-old is feeling like he is now back in rhythm ahead of the showpiece fixture.
When asked if the Tottenham captain will be ready to start against Man United on Wednesday, the Australian responded (via Football.London): “Well, he’s ready and he’s available. He started today. They’re all ready to start, so I think him playing 70-75 minutes today was important.
“You could see he opened up a couple of times, and I think he’s feeling… it’s as much about Sonny himself, and feeling that he’s getting back into a rhythm, and I think there were moments tonight where he showed that.”
Postecoglou also confessed that Son’s experience and leadership will prove crucial for Tottenham when they step out onto the pitch at San Mames, particularly given that his side have lost some influential figures to injuries over recent weeks.
When asked about the importance of the forward’s return, the Spurs boss responded: “It’s important, especially when we’ve lost some key players in recent times. Madders is also one of the leaders, and Deki and Lucas in the last three weeks. Now, getting Sonny back at least gives us another experienced player.
“I think the last two or three fixtures, our average age has been three or four years younger than the opposition. You can see that at times, so just having another experienced player available is great for the team.”
Son is determined to write his name into Tottenham folklore
Having completed a decade at Spurs, no one will be as desperate to bring the Europa League trophy to N17 as the club’s current captain.
Son has referred to the final as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, admitting that he is desperate to write his name into Tottenham folklore.
While the forward’s legendary status at Spurs is already assured, lifting the Europa League trophy as captain would arguably elevate his status among the supporters above any other player who has donned the Lilywhite shirt in the Premier League era, arguably even Harry Kane.