Heung-Min Son was born on 8 July 1992 in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea. As stated by Son himself, his father was and has been a major part of his life and career. As a young man, Son’s father Son Woong-Jung played as a professional football player. He played for South Korea’s National B team, but his career was not much of a success. When he discovered his son’s passion for football, he was ecstatic.
Throughout Son Heung Min’s childhood into his early teenage years, his father, who also doubled as his coach, was relentless. He trained young Heung-Min and drilled him. Although Heung-Min is naturally right-footed, his father trained him to be a beast on the pitch with both feet. According to Son Woong-Jung, there is nothing like a weak foot but an untrained foot. The early vigorous training he received from his father stayed with him throughout the early stages of his professional career and his passion has made him one of the surest options in top UK betting sites.
Evolution of Son Heung Min
As a young teen, Son dropped out of high school to follow his passion and at 16, he joined Hamburger SV’s youth academy in 2009 after participating in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. In Germany, he was impressive and signed an official contract with Hamburger SV at 18. On June 13, 2013, Son signed a 5 year deal with Bayer Leverkusen. While at Bayer Leverkusen, he finished his season in the club with 17 goals in 42 appearances.
Son joined Tottenham Hotspur on 28 August, 2015 for £22 million, a record fee for any Asian player in football history. Under Pochettino as manager, Son fought for his spot in Tottenham. He broke several records, becoming the first Asian player to win the premier League Player of the Month and top Asian goalscorer in Premier League history. Son extended his contract with Tottenham Hotspur on 20 July, 2018.
Playing Style
Son is versatile and can play in any position; winger, striker, attacking mid-fielder or wingback. He had the distinctive ability to play with both feet, speed, control and precise finish. An asset worthy of mention is his selfless nature. He provides assists and is a great team player.
Achievements
In his career, he has won many awards: 3 times Korea footballer of the Year, 3 times best footballer in Asia, UEFA Goal of the Season, Premier League Player of the Month, 2 times Tottenham Player of the Year, Top goalscorer, 6 times Asian Footballer of the Year and most recently, the Golden Boot.
Recognition in South Korea
He has represented his national team in the2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups and won the gold medal at the Asian Games in 2018. He is no doubt the nation’s pride, as he was awarded an order of merit by the president Yoon Suk-Yeol of South Korea, the most prestigious sporting honour, the Cheongnyong medal. According to CNN, Son is the most popular athlete in Asia and the country is extremely proud of what Son is doing in Europe, as he is consistently breaking and setting new records.
Recognition in England
After an explosive season which ended in Tottenham finishing in the top 4, Son, alongside Mo. Salah won the Golden Boot, scoring 24 Premier League goals without penalty. He was, however, not nominated for the Premier League Player of the Year. Although it has considerably increased, the recognition he receives in his home country is not the same in England. As stated by South Korea’s National Team captain, Ki, Son deserves more credit for his hard work, especially in England. He scores very crucial goals for his club and provides incredible assists. While nomination for PL Player of the Year is more than goals, one of the major consideration for nomination is goals. He is the highest goalscorer in Tottenham this season and worked tirelessly as a great team player for his club. According to English standard, Son Being Min might not deserve to be Player of the Year, but in the eyes of his fans and country, he is deserving of the highest honours.