Heung-min Son is undoubtedly a Premier League legend, and his legacy at Tottenham Hotspur is undeniable.
In the 2023/24 season, even without Harry Kane, Son shone brightly, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 Premier League starts. However, with his 32nd birthday approaching, it’s prudent for the Lilywhites to start planning for a future successor who can evolve into a world-class talent.
**Spurs’ Search for a New Attacker**
According to Spanish reports via Sports Witness, Tottenham are keen on signing attacker Takefusa Kubo, showing strong interest in the Japanese star. Spurs are reportedly willing to make an offer for Kubo, aiming to outbid other competitors. Kubo has a £51m release clause in his contract, and Real Sociedad is expected to demand a fee close to that amount for any sale.
However, Spurs face competition from Manchester United and Liverpool, who are also eyeing the winger.
**How Kubo Compares to Lamine Yamal**
Kubo may not be a household name yet, but since his move to Real Madrid in 2019, he has been on a path to greatness. After several loan spells in La Liga, he found stability at Real Sociedad in 2022, developing into an impressive attacker.
The Japanese international primarily plays as a right winger but can also operate in central areas, akin to Son. Last season, the 23-year-old started 24 times in Spain, recording seven goals and four assists, outperforming the highly-touted Lamine Yamal, who managed five goals and five assists.
The 16-year-old Barcelona sensation Yamal has made headlines by becoming a crucial player for both his club and country, as seen in Spain’s 3-0 win against Croatia where he assisted a goal, making him the youngest player in Euros history. Yamal is an extraordinary talent, but according to FBref, Kubo is classified as a ‘similar player.’ Both La Liga stars are left-footed right wingers known for their trickery, pace, and ability to use their weaker foot when needed.
Kubo stands out as a better finisher, likely to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities more frequently than Yamal, as reflected by their goals and xG ratio. Additionally, both players are significant creative forces for their teams, frequently generating chances from seemingly impossible situations, as evidenced by their high number of shot-creating actions.
Their primary strength lies in their ability to take on defenders with ease, making them unpredictable in the final third—an attribute that would significantly enhance Spurs’ attacking prowess.
Opposition defenders often struggle against these players, as they can either punish defenders who stand off them or outmaneuver those who get too close.
Furthermore, football scout Jacek Kulig has likened Kubo’s playing style to that of Messi. In the right environment, it’s evident that the exciting Japanese star has the potential to thrive and become an incredible player for Spurs, much like Son.
