Ange Postecoglou © Getty Images
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou hails Son Heung-min as “world class” after the South Korean star capped off a busy week with the club's dramatic 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday. did.
Postecoglou's side came close to being held to a frustrating draw in north London with seconds remaining before Son came to the rescue.
His excellent cross gave Brennan Johnson the chance to fire home in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
It was a welcome boost for Son, who jetted home from this week's Asian Cup after South Korea suffered a shock defeat to Jordan in the semi-finals.
Postecoglou brought on Son and Johnson with 28 minutes remaining, and Pape Sarr's 61st-minute goal canceled out Brighton's Pascal Gross' penalty in the 17th minute, ensuring that Tottenham remain in contention for a top-four spot. Contributed.
Postecoglou paid tribute to Son, who made an important cameo, saying: “Perhaps the country he's in is working against him, but I think he's a world-class player.''
“If you look at his performance in the Premier League, which is the toughest league in the world, his goal contribution has always been at the top while he has been here, no matter what course the team has gone through. .
“This year, even before he left, I think he was probably the best offensive player in this competition. This is obviously my opinion, but definitely he'll rise up there.”
“He's a world-class player. Richarlison has obviously stepped up in terms of goal threat, as have a few other players, but it's great for us to have a world-class player in the run-up. is”
Tottenham have a maximum of 4th place to fight for next season's Champions League qualification.
Aston Villa will move back above Tottenham if they avoid defeat at Manchester United on Sunday, but Postecoglou was encouraged by his players' spirited performance against Brighton.
“Brighton obviously did well but they were working hard to stay in the game and you know it's tiring,” Postecoglou said.
“The fact that we can bring in two offensive players that are a threat may seem simplistic, but the ball that Sonny plays, that's a world-class player in clutch moments.
“It's not a confidence thing. I feel like with the team we have today and hopefully going forward, we have the ability to finish the game on a high regardless of how the game goes.”
