When Tottenham Hotspur waved goodbye to Son Heung-min after he lifted the Europa League trophy and sealed a dream move to LAFC, the headlines focused on his goals. But what Spurs have missed most since his departure isn’t just his finishing — it’s everything that made him irreplaceable.
The South Korean captain wasn’t only Tottenham’s top scorer last season; he was their attacking compass. His speed, timing, and ability to stretch defences transformed how the team attacked. Without him, Tottenham’s front line looks static, predictable, and at times, painfully slow. The numbers confirm what fans already feel — Spurs have lost their spark.
The Son-Shaped Void Spurs Never Planned For
Tottenham’s decision not to replace Son directly on the left wing has proven costly. It was never realistic to find another player with his blend of pace, work ethic, and football IQ overnight. Yet the lack of a dynamic wide option has left a tactical gap as significant as the one created when Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich in 2023.
Son didn’t just score or assist — he terrified defenders. His diagonal runs pulled backlines apart, opening channels for teammates and creating space that no current Spurs player seems capable of exploiting. His absence has forced Tottenham into a more rigid, narrow shape that struggles to break teams down, especially against low blocks.
Tottenham Can’t Get Forward
Perhaps the most damning statistic of Tottenham’s new era comes in a single number: four. That’s how many through balls Spurs have played in the Premier League this season — across ten matches. For context, Arsenal have managed 38, Manchester United 31, and Aston Villa 28. Even mid-table sides are comfortably ahead.
That lack of verticality highlights a deeper issue — Spurs have lost the player who made forward runs worthwhile. Without Son’s pace to stretch defences, midfielders hesitate to attempt riskier passes, choosing instead to recycle possession. The result? Slower transitions, reduced threat, and a team that looks disconnected from front to back.
| Premier League 2025/26 | Through Balls Played |
|---|---|
| Tottenham Hotspur | 4 |
| Arsenal | 38 |
| Manchester United | 31 |
| Aston Villa | 28 |
source: Premier League Stats – 4 November 2025
Those numbers don’t just reflect missing creativity; they tell the story of a team stripped of confidence and fluidity in attack.
Our View: Spurs’ Attack Is Crying Out for a Runner
In our view, Tottenham’s biggest tactical flaw since Son’s departure isn’t poor finishing — it’s the absence of movement. Son’s relentless pressing and willingness to run beyond the backline created space for everyone else. Without that chaos, Spurs are easier to contain, forcing everything through slow, sideways play.
Replacing Son isn’t just about signing another winger; it’s about rediscovering that vertical energy. Whether through a January signing or a system tweak, Thomas Frank needs to find a way to bring back those direct runs — otherwise, Spurs risk drifting into mid-table anonymity.
Key Insights
- Beyond the goals: Spurs miss Son’s movement and intelligence more than his finishing.
- Stat alert: Only four through balls in ten games — a league low.
- Tactical stagnation: Without a pacey runner, Tottenham’s midfield can’t play forward.
- Missed planning: Spurs failed to replace Son’s left-wing dynamism after his LAFC move.
- Urgency rising: Frank must inject verticality before their season slips away.
What’s Next for Tottenham
With the January transfer window approaching, Tottenham’s recruitment team faces a defining test. Whether they target a winger capable of stretching defences or a mobile striker to fill the gap, the next signing must restore the speed and unpredictability Son provided. Their upcoming fixtures against Manchester United (8 November) and Arsenal(23 November) will reveal if Spurs can rediscover their attacking rhythm — or sink deeper into tactical paralysis.
👉 Spurs fans — is Son’s absence the real reason Tottenham can’t break teams down this season?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 4 Nov 2025 15:34
Sonny always been jealous that he was a Spurs player. But I think its a proper number 10 as well - they dont have anyone that plays through balls - I do think they've enough players that could run in to the spaces like Sonny did.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *