Tottenham Hotspur picked up a 6-2 win over Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday evening and Son Heung-min ended his goal drought with a second-half hat-trick.
The 30-year-old had been subjected to a lot of criticism because of his mediocre start to the season but he produced a spectacular performance after coming on as a second-half substitute to silence his critics.
At a stage when the game was finely poised at 3-2 in favour of the home side, the South Korean international came on and scored some spectacular goals to hand Antonio Conte’s side the all-important three points.
Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has now reflected on the performance of the South Korean international against Leicester City and his likeability as a person in general.
The response from the crowd when Son was coming on and when he managed to get his name on the scoresheet speaks volumes about how he has managed to endear himself to millions.
Hargreaves said to Premier League productions (h/t HITC): “Fans just absolutely love him. Before he was coming on, the crowd went bananas. I think he made a point (during his celebration). He put his fingers to his lips.
“He’s a superstar really isn’t he?! He is probably one of the most likeable guys in the whole league. Just the way he smiles and plays. Everybody that meets him and knows him, loves him. The way the crowd and his teammates celebrated the first goal, just shows how much he means to Tottenham. But to the whole league. That’s why I was saying (before the game) don’t drop him.
“He has got millions of fans and he probably just won another million.”
There is no doubt that Son Heung-Min is one of the best players in the Premier League and the Tottenham fan base will breathe a collective sigh of relief to see the talisman forward back amongst the goals once again.
Antonio Conte will be hoping to challenge for the major trophies this season and he will need players like Harry Kane and Son in top form to ensure a successful season.