Heung Min-Son isn’t having much fun this season. His performances have generally left one feeling as if the South Korean is somehow out of sorts; the conviction doesn’t appear to be there, the goals are noticeable by their absence, and last night in the Champions League against Marseille, Sonny’s inability to get on top of the ball was frequently embarrassing.
Thirteen times Son fluffed his lines against the visiting Frenchmen, and on four occasions this was in his own half.
We can only guess at what might be eating the player – has the arrival of Richarlison unsettled the dressing room? Did winning the Golden Boot place a burden on his shoulders?
Whatever the cause of this slump, it is difficult for me to believe that the situation will be improved by benching the player.
Class is permanent, form is temporary, and it is absolutely crucial to remind ourselves that this isn’t some Dele Alli character we are dealing with here.
Son is an accredited international, a proven goalscorer, and a seasoned professional. To my mind, swapping the lad out would be counterproductive. Play Sonny through the slump and show the boy some respect.