Heung-min Son wants to stay at Tottenham for one last season, but is it the right choice? - Opinion

Heung-min Son has decided to see out his contract at Tottenham Hotspur, but will he continue to be one of the first names on the team sheet?

Heung-min Son has made a decision on his short-term future and it should come as no surprise, considering his loyalty to Tottenham. More than one news outlet has reported that Son wants to stay at Spurs for one more season.

Tottenham fans have been left split on the news about Son, with some feeling that now is the right time for his decade-long spell in North London to come to an end. However, others have displayed optimism, with the hope that Son will be more suited to Thomas Frank’s system than he was under that of Ange Postecoglou.

Whatever the case, Son will be remembered fondly at Spurs. The fact he stayed long enough to win the Europa League is a testament to his loyalty and commitment. However, last season was far from his best and if he fails to impress during the next campaign, it could have some effect on how he is remembered at Tottenham.

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Heung-min Son could still start for Tottenham Hotspur

Despite being influential in bringing Mathys Tel to the club, Postecoglou favoured his captain over the France u21s international. With Tel yet to really stand out at Spurs, there is every reason to believe Son will still be above him in the pecking order.

Reports last month claimed Frank was open to Son leaving Tottenham, but this has since been rubbished, as Frank sees Son as a ‘pivotal figure’ at Spurs.

Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo have both been linked with moves to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but neither look likely to join. This is a further indication that Son could still have a role to play in the Tottenham first-team. Of course, there is still time for Spurs to add another left winger to their squad, but it is too early to say at this point in time.

Also, it is worth remembering that Son bagged 17 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League season before last. He may not look as sharp on the wing as he used to, but playing him in a front two or even as a lone striker could bring out the best in him.

Son can become a mentor at Spurs

The usefulness of having Heung-min Son remain at Tottenham goes beyond his position as a player in the Tottenham first-team squad. He knows what it means to be a Spurs player more than most, and he has been one of the best-performing players in England for a number of years. 

Whether Spurs decide to sign another forward or stick with Tel, Son can be a mentor to his less experienced teammates and impart the wisdom he has picked up over the course of his career.

Son is a hero at both an international and club level and he knows the challenges someone faces when they wear the famous lilywhite. From disproportionate media scrutiny to the competitiveness of the Premier League, Son has experienced it all and anyone arriving at Hotspur Way would be lucky to learn from the best.

Is Son right to stay at Tottenham?

The answer to this question is maybe. There is certainly an advantage of having Son in the dressing room, helping young players find their feet. Mikey Moore is another young talent who needs guidance to help him unleash his potential.

He could also still have something to offer on the pitch. Even in a campaign with some disappointing performances on a personal level, Son was one of Tottenham’s most prominent attackers.

Leaving straight after a trophy win might be the best idea to preserve his legacy, but how badly can a single season mess that up? Son has been brilliant for Tottenham and the fact he wants to stay should be commended, not criticised.

Hopefully, he will have one final year he can be proud of before assessing his future next summer.

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