Son back with a bang for Spurs after Asian Cup absence

Heung-Min Son has quickly re-established himself as Tottenham's main man since returning from the Asian Cup.

The South Korea international has two goals and three assists in four games, putting in one of his best performances of the season in last weekend's 4-0 win over Aston Villa.

And with his current contract set to expire in 2025, it is no surprise that Spurs are reportedly keen to tie their star forward down to a new deal.

Ahead of this evening's clash with Fulham, we reflect on Son's excellent club form.

Captain, leader, legend

There were genuine concerns that Spurs would be unable to cope with the absence of a figure as talismanic as Son during the busy winter period.

But Richarlison's strong form, scoring four Premier League goals while Tottenham's No7 was in Qatar, meant they kept their top-four hopes alive.

The Brazilian is now injured — but with Son back, fans don't need to panic.

He is Spurs' top scorer with 14 league goals and leads the way for assists (eight) too. Only Erling Haaland (23), Mohamed Salah (24) and Ollie Watkins (26) have more total goal contributions (22).

The 31-year-old also ranks first at Tottenham for possessions won in the attacking third (23), evidence of his ability to press from the front.

In Ange Postecoglou's team, the ability to contribute both in and out of possession is indispensable.

Marginal gains

With a strong end to the season, Son could yet surpass his best-ever Premier League goal tally of 23 strikes.

But his focus is on becoming a more efficient team player in what is still a developing Spurs side.

After the Villa win, he said: "It's not [down to] just myself to be here, I need help from the manager and the staff.

"Everybody helps me a lot, especially the gaffer. He makes me a better player. 

"I hope it's not finished. I want to be a perfect player for him and I still have to work on being a perfect player for him.

"What do I need to do? Maybe you have to ask the gaffer, but I have to work even harder. 

"There are many aspects I have to improve."

Full focus

Son's drive to get better is admirable given his remarkable consistency over the last eight seasons in the Premier League.

Few players can match the South Korean's achievements during that time — and he is showing no signs of slowing down.

There is a clear determination to succeed at Spurs, too.

Speaking last month, Postecoglou said: "Sometimes people are mistaken about Sonny because he's such a positive guy, who whenever you see him is smiling and everyone has a real affection for him, but he wants to win.

"Sonny by nature is a nice guy. He is very polite and very respectful but that doesn't mean he can't be a real winner and a guy who has high standards."

As Tottenham look to end the season with Champions League qualification, Son will be hoping that his team-mates continue matching those high standards — starting with today's trip to Craven Cottage.