There is no disagreement. Son Heung-min (Tottenham) is a ‘world-class captain.’
Son Heung-min recorded the first hat trick in the English Premier League (EPL) in the 2023-2024 season. He scored three goals and led the team to a 5-2 victory in the 4th round of the EPL against Burnley, which ended at Turf Moor in Burnley, England on the 3rd (Korean time).
Tottenham토토사이트 (3 wins, 1 draw) went undefeated in 4 games after opening. Tottenham’s new head coach, Anger Postecoglou, scored 10 points in the opening four games, following Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood, and Antonio Conte. The 5-2 win was their biggest away win since a 6-1 win over Manchester United in October 2020.
‘Central Son’ was a masterpiece. Coach Postekoglou brought out the 4-2-3-1 system. Son Heung-min, not Richarlison, appeared as the lone striker.
Manor Solomon, James Madison, and Dejan Kulusevski were in the second line, and Yves Bissouma and Pape Sar played defensive midfielders. The back four consisted of Destiny Udozy, Mickey van der Pen, Christian Romero, and Pedro Foro. The goal was guarded by Guglielmo Vicario.
The start was slow. Burnley scored the first goal just 4 minutes into the game. Lyle Foster scored the first goal from Luca Koleosho’s cross.
It was just a rehearsal for Son Heung-min. Son Heung-min defeated Burnley by scoring in succession in the 16th minute of the first half, the 18th minute of the second half, and the 21st minute of the second half.
The first goal created an attack opportunity with a unique sprint. He calmly exchanged passes with Solomon and shook the opponent. Son Heung-min split the goal with a spectacular right-footed chip shot that ‘harassed’ the opposing goalkeeper and two defenders.
Tottenham was out of balance and had no trouble. The additional goal also came from Son Heung-min’s toes. Son Heung-min created a corner kick opportunity with a powerful mid-range shot in extra time in the first half. Romero finished the ball with his right foot in a mixed situation in front of the goal. Offside was suspected, but onside was confirmed after a video review (VAR).
Tottenham, riding on momentum, had a brilliant second half as well. James Madison scored the team’s third and winning goal in the 9th minute of the second half. Son Heung-min’s show continued again.
In the 18th minute of the second half, Son Heung-min received Solomon’s pass and hit the net again. Three minutes later, he scored with a neat left-footed shot off Foro’s pass, completing his hat trick.
In fact, the joys and sorrows were mixed. Coach Postekoglou gave Son Heung-min, who completed his mission with a hat trick, a break by replacing him with Richarlison in the 27th minute of the second half. Coach Postecoglu expressed his faith in Son Heung-min by hugging him tightly.
Son Heung-min, who joined Tottenham in August 2015, scored his 106th EPL goal, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nasr) with 103 goals and Didier Drogba (retired) with 104 goals. He was tied for 30th place with Darren Bent from Tottenham. Ryan Giggs (109 goals), Peter Crouch (108 goals), and Paul Scholes (107 goals) are also visible.
The Burnley match was once again a ‘stage of joy’. He exploded with a ‘70m wonder goal’ against Burnley in December 2019. After catching the ball near the penalty area in his own half, he toyed with six opposing players with his incredible speed and succeeded in scoring. With this goal, Son Heung-min received the Puskas Award for the best goal of the year.
The British press is also full of praise. England’s ‘Football London’ said Son Heung-min ‘played a central role very effectively. He gave the team a rating of 10 out of 10, saying, “Coach Postekoglou’s system worked perfectly in his game.”
Statistics media outlets WhoScored.com and FootMob gave Son Heung-min a whopping rating of 9.6 points. This is the highest rating for both teams.
Son Heung-min was also selected as ‘Man of the Match’ on the EPL official website. He received overwhelming support of 58.4% in a fan vote on the EPL official website in which over 40,000 people participated, beating teammate James Maddison (27.1%) and being selected as ‘Man of the Match’.
Britain’s BBC also selected Son Heung-min as ‘Player of the Match’ with a rating of 8.71. ‘BBC’ said, ‘This is the angel ball’ when Son Heung-min achieved a hat trick. Tottenham are growing in confidence under Postekoglou. Son Heung-min, who was playing with a smile on his face, finished with confidence,’ he said.
Sky Sports commentator Peter Smith said: “Son Heung-min had not scored before today’s game, but this time he played from midfield and delivered the ball for a great finish. He was very cool and confident. Son Heung-min leads the attack from the front.” He highly praised it.
EPL player Clinton Morrison also said in surprise, “It’s really great. It’s fantastic. Tottenham’s soccer is outstanding. Son Heung-min will never lose sight of what he is doing. This is the end of the game.”
Former England women’s international Farah Williams said, “This is the difference between the EPL and the Championship. Burnley played very expansive football until last season. They are playing with two defenders left. Son Heung-min, who is of the highest class, finished brilliantly.” praised.
It was Coach Postekoglou’s best day since taking charge of Tottenham. He smiled brightly, saying, “Son Heung-min was fantastic. Even on the training pitch, he is always a fantastic leader. Son Heung-min led the pressure today. And he has the quality to seize the opportunity. I am really happy for him.”
He also commented on the team, “Today’s performance was very good. The players played our game calmly and cool-headedly, showing excellent performance, and we grew through this game.”
Son Heung-min shook off Richarlison’s concerns. Tottenham did not transfuse a striker in the summer transfer market, which has just ended. “Son Heung-min is one of the reasons,” said coach Postekoglu. “He has all the characteristics, whether in the center or on the wing. He can play in any system. He is ideal for the way we play.”
Coincidentally, on this day, captain Son Heung-min and vice-captains Romero and Maddison were responsible for all five goals. “Today was a performance where Son Heung-min, Maddison and Romero proved themselves. The way they accept responsibility every day, not just through words but also through actions, not only on match day, is most inspiring,” said Coach Postekoglu. “They are fantastic players individually, He also praised them, saying, “It also shows a sense of team ethics.”
Son Heung-min also smiled. He smiled and said, “Away to Burnley is always difficult. We conceded the first goal, but we countered strongly. Although I am the captain, I have many great players around me. They help me a lot.”
He added, “My role is very easy. I always try to be an example and smile. I try to take responsibility both on and off the pitch. It is difficult to choose between the three goals. The most important thing is that we got three points. “It is,” he said.
After the game, Son Heung-min said on his SNS, ‘I am proud of the players’ amazing performance in a difficult stadium. He celebrated by posting a photo of himself showing three fingers outstretched in commemoration of his hat trick, along with the message, “We are welcoming the international break in a good mood.”
He expressed his joy on the club’s SNS, saying, “It was a difficult trip, but I could feel everyone’s support. I’m happy to get 3 points, and scoring a hat trick is also special.”
Tottenham no longer has main gun Harry Kane. Kane’s presence was forgotten in the game against Burnley. It was Son Heung-min’s day.