In Focus: Son is shining at Spurs as Ange-ball gathers pace

Heung-Min Son is putting Harry Kane out of the minds of Tottenham fans as the new club captain continues to excel under Ange Postecoglou.

With a brace at the Emirates in last weekend's North London derby — and an impassioned celebration in front of the away end — Spurs' No7 has emerged as the team's new talisman this term.

Son has now scored five goals in six Premier League games and is thriving in what has been dubbed Ange-ball — a new attacking philosophy introduced by the former Celtic head coach.

Ahead of today's clash with Liverpool, we take a look at the South Korean's impressive form in 2023-24.

Tough times

Last season was a difficult one for Son and Spurs' form suffered as a result.

He scored just 10 Premier League goals, representing his lowest tally in the division since his debut campaign in 2015-16.

The 31-year-old was playing through the pain barrier, admitting at the end of the campaign that he had struggled with a sports hernia.

After the dismissal of Antonio Conte and sale of Kane, there was plenty of negativity around Tottenham's prospects — and those of Son himself.

But thanks to a summer surgery and dugout refresh in North London, things are looking brighter for all parties in N17.

Reinvigorated

Postecoglou's appointment appears to have awoken Spurs from their passive slumber.

Son has been one of the main beneficiaries of the Australian manager's positive approach, looking refreshed and reinvigorated as a more central attacker.

Rather than put pressure on the 113-cap international, Kane's exit appears to have given him licence to become the team's main man, which is a role he is relishing.

Son has outperformed his xG of 2.36 in the Premier League this term, with his five goals coming from just seven attempts on target.

Leading the way

Postecoglou has been quick to praise Son's performances this season.

He said: "He [Son] has been outstanding as a leader and as a player. 

"I've put him in that nine position now and he just works so hard. His first thought is what's best for the team.

"And he puts himself into that position and then he has the quality to finish. I'm so happy for him.

"When I talk about that great environment with the players, Sonny is leading that with Madders [James Maddison] and [Cristian] Romero."

Flexibility

Son's flexibility means Tottenham have plenty of fluidity in attack.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man is a playmaker as well as goalscorer and he is second only to Maddison (four) at Spurs for big chances created (three).

He is also just behind Maddison for total expected assists with 1.71 after six games.

A happy camp

As well as the tactical changes made to get the best out of his players, Postecoglou's arrival has seen a noticeable improvement in mood across the squad.

Son said: "In the changing room, the club and the stadium, the vibes are really, really positive."

If he can inspire Tottenham to a win against Liverpool, the good vibrations will continue North London.