“I WANT TO BREAK RECORDS LIKE HARRY”
Spurs flyer Son Heung-min has had a stunning season in both the Premier League and Europe – now he’s got a point to prove as South Korea look to avoid the kind of World Cup nightmare they endured four years ago
The ever-grinning Son Heung-min may have established a reputation as one of the most happy-go-lucky players in world football, but his 2014 World Cup ended in tears. South Korea came bottom of their group in Brazil: after drawing their opener with Russia 1-1, they lost to Algeria and Belgium. Son at least scored in the 4-2 defeat to the North African surprise package, but it was an otherwise underwhelming tournament that concluded with a 1-0 loss to the Belgians – cue waterworks from poor Sonny. He knew both he and his team had not done enough to satisfy a generation of supporters still harbouring vivid memories of the iconic run to the 2002 semi-finals. Much has changed for Son since then. He joined Tottenham Hotspur from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and is now recognised as one of the most dynamic and exciting attacking players in the Premier League. He was named Asian International Footballer of the Year in 2015 and 2017 and became the first Asian player to win the Premier League’s Player of the Month award – in both September 2016 and April 2017. Having helped Spurs overcome Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in the Champions League, as well as secure a place in next season’s competition, the 25-year-old should be in the right frame of mind to right a few wrongs – and what better way to start than with a victory against Sweden on June 18?
How are you feeling about South Korea’s chances in Russia? We’re in a group with Sweden, Mexico and Germany. These are three countries who are probably stronger than us, but in football you never know. The weaker team can beat the stronger team – it depends how well prepared you are. We need to train well before the tournament and make sure we’re ready to perform at our best.
You’ve been named Asian International Footballer of the Year for a second time. How big an honour is that? I’m very proud to receive that award. Asia is a big continent with a lot of players and many countries, so it’s a fantastic honour for me and also for my nation. I’m really grateful to all the fans, my team-mates and everyone at Tottenham.
You’ve swapped Germany for England since the last World Cup, so how is life in London? It’s been unbelievable and I really enjoy it. The weather’s not always great. It’s sometimes a little bit cold, but I’m getting used to it. I live with my parents and there’s so much do here – nice restaurants, good shopping. You can do everything in London and it’s the best city I’ve ever played in, without a doubt.
How big an influence has Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino been on your development? Is there any specific trait he’s encouraged you to improve? Not one particular thing, but he’s always giving me the confidence to play well. He speaks with me all the time and has made me a better player than before. Our training is hard but it’s always enjoyable. The sessions are intense, which keeps me fit and ready to play whenever the manager needs me. I’m so thankful to him and he’s like family to me. Everyone’s like that at Spurs – even the young players who aren’t in the first team yet.
You scored a few belters in 2017-18. Was the long-ranger against West Ham at Wembley the best of your career? Nooo! I’m not sure I can choose the best. That one against West Ham would possibly be in my top three or top five, though. When I was at Hamburg, there was one I curled in with my left foot at Dortmund [in February 2013]. I’ve scored some nice goals, both with Tottenham and in Germany. I don’t mind how the goal goes in, it’s about winning the points. I just hope I can score in every moment.
What’s it like playing alongside Harry Kane? Does he inspire you to score even more goals? I wish I could score goals like him! I want to break records in the way he does. To score more than him would be impossible – he scores so many goals and he can score from anywhere, too. He’s one of the best strikers in the world right now.
Has the last season been your best yet? I’m not sure about that – I had some pretty good months in 2016-17, too. I don’t want to think about whether this has been my best form or not. If I play, I want to give 100 per cent every time and enjoy the moment. You can always play better. Everyone says I’ve been in good form, but I believe I can improve next season.
“HARRY KANE SCORES SO MANY GOALS AND HE CAN SCORE FROM ANYWHERE, TOO. HE’S ONE OF THE BEST STRIKERS In THE WORLD”