Tottenham forward Son Heung-min steps up again with 97% display v Bournemouth, Sky Sports pundit labels him 'world-class'
Son Heung-min left Tottenham supporters with a parting gift as he scored in the 3-1 win against Bournemouth on New Year's Eve.
Spurs' captain will be unavailable throughout January as he competes with South Korea at the Asia Cup.
However, he made sure not to leave his club supporters empty-handed, as he doubled Tottenham's lead late in the second half against the Cherries to help ensure that Ange Postecoglou's men ended 2023 on a high, with Richarlison's strike nine minutes later wrapping up the contest, despite the visitors scoring late on through Alex Scott.
It was a difficult first half for the hosts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. After taking an early lead through Pape Matar Sarr, Bournemouth dominated and continued to threaten an equaliser throughout the second half.
Son's goal, assisted with a wonderful ball forward from Giovani Lo Celso, was the perfect way for him to say goodbye, albeit only temporarily, and ensure he left for his Asia Cup exploits on a positive note.
Speaking ahead of kick-off, Clinton Morrison detailed just how much Postecoglou and Tottenham will miss the 31-year-old while he is away.
Talking on Sky Sports News (31 December), Morrison said, "Any team in the world will miss Son, Son is world-class, he's an outstanding footballer, you can't replace Son."
And it is hard to disagree with Morrison's "world-class" verdict after Son's overall performance against Andoni Iraola's side.
As per Sofascore, the club's top-scorer this season completed 97 per cent of his passes, with two of those being key, and created one big chance.
In addition, he won three ground duels and made two tackles as he worked tirelessly up front.
His absence in January will be a huge blow for Postecoglou who will be looking toward the rest of his players in his squad to step up and replace Son's goals, which have so far been crucial for the north London outfit this season.