Should Son Heung-min be on the bench? Before the UEFA Cup final, the Tottenham coach faced a difficult choice

As the UEFA Cup final is approaching with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ang Postkoglu is facing the most critical and tricky decision of a season - in the starting list, should we choose Richarlison, who is in a hot state, or Son Heung-min, who continues to trust the team?

This game is not only about the title, but also may determine the career direction of a veteran.

The data tends toward Richarlison, but football is more than the number

From the data point of view, Richarlison's performance this season is indeed more impressive. He contributed 4 goals in various events and helped the team improve his winning rate to 45.5% in games where he played. In comparison, Son Heung-min has only scored one goal in the last 17 games, while in his play, Tottenham's winning rate is only 40%, far lower than his absence 53.9%.

These numbers undoubtedly sounded the alarm for the coaching staff. As the British media said: "If you only look at the data, the answer is already obvious." However, football has never been just a cold data game.

Son Heung-min is not just a player, he is one of the most representative faces of Tottenham in the past decade.

From the slightly young Asian star back then to the soul figure who wears the captain's armband now, the Korean striker has written a legend of his own with sweat and loyalty. He is the first Asian player in Premier League history to win the Golden Boot Award, and is also an indispensable part of the "Sun Kai's Connection" era.

Even after Harry Kane left the team, he still carried the banner of offense and became the spiritual pillar of the team. His speed, technology and never-give up attitude have long been deeply imprinted in the hearts of fans.

As former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas said: "Sun is not only a player, he is the bridge connecting fans and the club. He understands Tottenham's DNA."

For Son Heung-min, this Europa League final is of great significance. He is 32 years old and his contract with the club is about to expire. This may be his last chance to compete for the championship in a Tottenham jersey.

He has experienced too many regrets: the 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool, the failure to compete in the domestic Cup, and the failure of the Asian Cup in the national team... He knows more than anyone how bitter it feels to stand at the door of heaven but cannot step into it.

In an interview, Son Heung-min once said emotionally:

"I have been waiting for this moment for too long. Winning a trophy for Tottenham is my biggest dream."

This sentence expresses his desire for this trophy and his deep feelings for the club.

Historical lessons: Don't let the heroes miss the curtain call

The 2019 Champions League final is still vivid in my mind. At that time, Tottenham took the risk of letting Kane, who had not yet fully recovered, make the starter, but he was in a sluggish game and the team eventually lost. This decision is still a regret in the hearts of many fans.

And now, Son Heung-min's situation is completely different. He has gradually recovered his form through recent matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Although he has not scored, his running, coordination and rhythm all show that he is close to his best form.

As former Tottenham coach Pochettino said:

"Sometimes, the state is only one great game away. Sun is ready."

For Postkoglu, this is not a simple tactical problem. He has always been known for his bold decision-making, emphasizing offensive football and emotional value. This time, he must make a trade-off between rationality and sentiment: Should he trust the data and send Richarlison; or should he choose faith and let Son Heung-min take the starting position?

As Tottenham legend Bill Nicholson said:

"What matters is not whether you win or not, but how you win."

If Son Heung-min starts, he has the opportunity to complete the peak of his career with a shining moment; even if he fails to score, he will write a touching farewell poem at the San Mames Stadium. He is always the heart of Tottenham anyway.