Tottenham’s captain, Son Heung-min, couldn’t help but sing praises for Richarlison, who really stepped up by scoring crucial goals while Son was away playing in the Asian Cup with South Korea. Before leaving for Qatar, Son had a heart-to-heart with Richarlison, urging him to seize the moment and make a significant impact in their games.
Son shared his own experiences of feeling the weight of responsibility, especially during the times Harry Kane was out injured. “It’s your turn to shine,” Son seemed to say, laying down the gauntlet for Richarlison to prove himself.
Richarlison rose to the challenge magnificently. His performances over the next month were nothing short of sensational, earning him a well-deserved nomination for the Premier League Player of the Month for January.
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Meanwhile, Son’s journey with the South Korean team in the Asian Cup ended in a heartbreak, with a semi-final loss to Jordan. However, the return of their star player was a silver lining for Ange Postecoglou, the team’s coach, who was undoubtedly thrilled to have Son back.
Reflecting on his team’s performance in his absence, Son, in a conversation with NBC Sports, emphasized the importance of taking responsibility. “The most important thing is you take responsibility, which Richy does, and Kulu does and Brennan does,” Son noted, pausing to ensure his message was clear. “I think everybody was doing a good job and especially Richy, he was doing a fantastic job while I was away. We have some quality players but we still have to work on it to win more easily and make a bigger impact.” His words were measured, reflecting a blend of pride and a forward-looking mindset.
🎶 Richarlison is on my mind, and he’s Tottenham’s number nine… pic.twitter.com/GuLZUAXw1l
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 18, 2023
Taking on the captaincy seems to have brought out a new side of Son. He’s become more authoritative, challenging his teammates to elevate their game and showcase their best abilities. This shift in Son’s demeanor appears to be fostering a positive atmosphere within the Tottenham team, with the players genuinely enjoying and celebrating each other’s successes.
