Jamie O’Hara responds to stick after what he said about Son Heung-min at Tottenham
Son Heung-min hasn’t been at his best this season, and Jamie O’Hara is adamant about his assessment of the Tottenham captain despite receiving massive stick.
The South Korea international has endured a tough season with several fitness issues, and when he does manage to get on the pitch, the forward is a shadow of his former self.
Son has been criticised by many Spurs fans this season despite his 10 goals and eight assists in all competitions for them.
The captain has come under fire as Ange Postecoglou struggles to convince Daniel Levy after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup recently.
Jamie O’Hara slams Tottenham captain Son Heung-min
O’Hara has backed his comments regarding Son despite heavy criticism from South Korean fans.
The ex-midfielder has stuck by his claims of the 32-year-old not being captain material and that the North Londoners need a replacement.
O’Hara feels age has caught up to the winger, and he doesn’t have the quality to be the difference-maker any more.
Speaking on talkSPORT (17 February, 9:08), the 38-year-old said: “I’ve been taking so much stick from South Korea fans. I’ve been getting loads of stick 24/7 on my Instagram because I said Son’s not a captain, not a leader, and we have to start looking at a replacement for him.
“He has been an unbelievable servant to the football club, and he’s a top player. He’s been world-class, but he isn’t anymore. He has lost a yard of pace. He doesn’t go past anyone. He doesn’t really make anything happen.
“Sometimes age gets the better of you, and you’ve got to start looking elsewhere. I think we’ve got to find someone else. I don’t think Son should be captain anymore. He shouldn’t be captain for Tottenham.”
Son Heung-min to leave Spurs soon
Son’s contract has been extended at Tottenham, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the veteran depart at the end of the season.
Considering the amount of slack the South Korean attacker has endured, he must evidently feel hard done by after carrying the Lilywhites for several years.
Spurs beat Manchester United 1-0 at home on Sunday (16 February), but the 32-year-old was underwhelming again as he failed to make much of an impact.
It seems like Son has lost his edge at the North London outfit, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll ever be able to get back to his best.
Postecoglou doesn’t have many quality options on the bench, which means he must rely on Son despite the poor displays.
Other forwards in the squad, like Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, are on the sidelines at the moment, putting more burden on the captain’s shoulders.
While the Lilywhites signed Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich before the 3 February transfer deadline, the youngster can’t be expected to change the team’s fortunes immediately.
Spurs definitely need a change of guard, and Son might soon find himself on the brink of the squad.