Son Heung-min embarrasses after ‘non-existent’ Tottenham display v AZ Alkmaar
Son Heung-min was non-existent after what he did as Tottenham lost to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday.
AFAS Stadion hosted Ange Postecoglou’s team on 6 March as they found themselves behind early on in the fixture, eventually losing 1-0.
Lucas Bergvall’s own goal put Spurs behind in the game, and they had a tough time breaking down the Dutch outfit over the course of the 90 minutes.
When the North London outfit needed him the most, their captain was nowhere to be seen and failed to make an impact, which has been a common theme this season.
Tottenham struggle v Alkmaar as Son invisible
Son was invisible as the Lilywhites failed to make a mark against Alkmaar in the Netherlands.
The South Korea international had a combined xG and xA of 0.32, zero per cent shot on target and 33 per cent successful dribbles, as per FotMob.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 24 | 6 | 9 |
With 50 per cent crossing accuracy and zero per cent long ball accuracy, the 32-year-old was sloppy with the ball and created zero chances.
Son was unable to contribute defensively as well, failing to win one of his attempted tackles and winning just 50 per cent of his duels.
Jamie O’Hara blasts Son performance v Alkmaar
Postecoglou was under pressure at Tottenham not so long ago, and the performance in the Netherlands will certainly not help his cause.
The Australian manager had hinted at winning silverware at the North London outfit this season, but the prospects look bleak right now.
Spurs are one of the favourites in the Europa League, but the display at the AFAS Stadion won’t be encouraging for many fans.
Son was on the receiving end of criticism from Jamie O’Hara, who felt the 32-year-old was “non-existent” during the game against Alkmaar.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (6 March), the ex-midfielder said: “At the moment, you need a goal. [Postecoglou] has taken Tel off. He has put Son up front. But Son’s been non-existent in this game. You want players running behind, and that’s just not happening for Spurs at all.
“Been really sloppy in possession. Expected a lot more from them in this game. It’s a cup final, really. The season is on the line over these two legs. Looks like at the moment we’re going out with a whimper.”
The Lilywhites are already 13th in the Premier League, and it looks unlikely that they will be able to qualify for Europe next season.
Postecoglou’s only chance of arguably attaining Champions League football for next season is to win the Europa League.
While the former Celtic boss has been marred by injury issues this season, most players are close to full fitness, and he doesn’t have any excuses left.
Son will need to do better if he wants to remain in the North London outfit’s starting lineup for the upcoming matches.