Sports Chosun = Reporter Kim Seong-won
Reuters Yonhap News
Son Heung-min (31, Tottenham), synonymous with Christmas, once again showed off his ‘Sonta Claus’ appearance. He scored his 11th goal in the 18th round of the English Premier League (EPL) of the 2023-2024 season on Christmas Eve, the 24th (Korean time). The first opponent of the ‘hell journey’ was Everton. He led Tottenham to a 2-1 victory with the final congratulatory shot in the 18th minute of the first half.
AFP Yonhap News
Tottenham, who won three games in a row, rose to fourth place (36 points). The point gap with leader Arsenal (40 points) is only 4 points. Son Heung-min, who is recording 11 goals and 4 assists, remained third in scoring, following Erling Holland (Man City, 14 goals) and Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, 12 goals). He also recorded 114 goals in his EPL career, surpassing Ian Wright (retired, 113 goals) and ranked 23rd. Next up are Al Itifak coach Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), tied for 21st place. The two are recording 120 goals.
Reuters Yonhap News
Son Heung-min shines especially brightly during the Christmas week, including Boxing Day (26th). After scoring his first goal against Southampton on 29 December 2016, he faced Southampton again on 26 December 2017 and scored 1 goal – 2 assists. In 2018, he scored 2 goals and 1 assist against Everton on December 24th, and scored multiple goals (2 goals) against Bournemouth three days later on the 27th. He scored a key goal against Crystal Palace on December 27, 2021, and continued his good trend this year.
Reuters Yonhap News
Son Heung-min was also pleased. He said: “Christmas is always an exciting time. We need to enjoy the two days and come back quickly. ‘Top four’ is our goal and we want to keep getting better.” Regarding the support from many fans in his home country, he smiled and said, “I don’t know how to express it in words. I feel like the luckiest person in the world to play in a Tottenham uniform and receive such great support. I’m really grateful.”
AFP Yonhap News
This season’s EPL is finally reaching its turning point. Son Heung-min is preparing for actual battle again. Tottenham will play Brighton in the 19th round away at 4:30 am on the 29th. Then, the 20th round against Bournemouth awaits at 10pm on the 31st.
The 2026 North and Central America World Cup qualifier against Singapore held at Seoul WorldCom Stadium on the 16th. Son Heung-min celebrates after scoring his third goal. Sangam = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com/2023.11.16
However, Tottenham cannot just laugh. ‘Captain’ Son Heung-min is not at the beginning of the new year. He is likely to leave Tottenham to participate in the Qatar Asian Cup, which opens on January 13th after the game against Bournemouth. The Asian Cup is a mandatory tournament selected by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA). It is possible to call up two weeks before the first game. South Korea will play the first match of Group E against Bahrain at 8:30 pm on the 15th.
The national soccer team led by Coach Klinsmann played the second qualifying round of the World Cup against Singapore at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 16th. Coach Klinsmann checks on the injured Son Heung-min. Sangam = Reporter Song Jeong-heon songs@sportschosun.com/2023.11.16
Klinsmann laughs. Team A coach Jurgen Klinsmann will reveal the list of 26 players who participated in the Asian Cup on the 28th. Son Heung-min, the star, maintains his perfect sense of goal, so his steps are extremely light. However, it is reported that the timing of joining is still being discussed.
Son Heung-min said, “As the captain, leaving the team itself is in some ways noticeable. I feel sorry for the team and the fans because I feel like I am leaving my position in a situation where many important players are injured.” He added, “For me, Korea is very important. The national team is very important.” “Going to the national team is also very important. Having played for the national team for a long time, I know very well how precious it is. I think we will be able to coordinate well and find a good date.” Reporter Kim Seong-won newsme@sportschosun.com
2023-12-25 22:39:00
#year #Sonta #Claus #Son #Heungmins #11th #goal #explodes #Ahead #tearful #farewell #Tottenham #tears #Klinsmann #smiling
