The head coach of the South Korea national team, Shin Tae-Yong, says he is concerned Son Heung-Min’s form could go downhill at the World Cup following a busy season with Tottenham.
Son has made 43 appearances in all competitions so far this season – that’s only four less than he made in the entirety of the previous campaign.
The 25-year-old has scored seven goals in his last four games, including doubles against Rochdale, Huddersfield and Bournemouth.
And with Harry Kane potentially set to miss the next few weeks through injury, Son will almost certainly start as Spurs’ central striker in upcoming matches.
He is also set to play at this summer’s World Cup in Russia with South Korea, but his national team manager is concerned his form might dip before then following a high-intensity club season.
“I hope Son can perform in the World Cup like he currently does for his club,” said Shin Tae-Yong (via ESPN). “But I’m concerned that Son’s red-hot form could cool down around the World Cup period.
“For most Europe-based players, they are used to getting in shape in August before the new season starts.
“I’m really worried that Son’s form might go down from May, with his concentration waning and him becoming physically fatigued.”
At the beginning of the season there was an argument to be made that Son would not feature in Tottenham’s best XI.
Indeed, even a few weeks ago Erik Lamela was preferred to him against Juventus in Turin.
But Son’s recent goalscoring form has made him an undroppable fan favourite – Spurs supporters will be cheering for him in Russia, that’s for sure.
