Calls for Son Heung-min to be dropped by Tottenham are “blasphemy” after only a short spell of subpar performances, Rio Ferdinand has claimed.
Without a goal in eight games this season, the Korean winger was again far from his best in Spurs’ 2-0 defeat to Sporting CP on Tuesday night, leading to a discussion on BT Sport over Son’s role in the team.
“No chance, blasphemy,” Ferdinand quickly replied as he insisted Harry Kane would not be facing the same questions.
“Golden Boot winner last season, joint top goalscorer with Mo Salah. We’re six Premier League games in, a couple of Champions League games... and they’re asking for him to be dropped?
“Were they asking for Harry Kane to be dropped when he didn’t score in August all those times?
“For me, if I’m taking a player out of the Spurs team, [deciding between] him or Harry Kane would be the flip of a coin. He’s a top, top player.”
Another former Premier League star, Michael Owen, also defended Son’s lack of form in front of goal, highlighting his improved creative stats in recent week.
“It’s the best he’s ever had in his eighth season, I totally agree with Rio,” he said.
“Short memories. If you’re Manchester United, City or Liverpool and you say, ‘You can have one player’... I’d say the majority would take Son. Yes, Harry Kane scores plenty - but he scored more goals last season. He’s just very, very difficult to play against.
“You’ve got to be patient with top players. What would [dropping him] do to his head? He’s carried the team for two, three years. Everyone saying it’s a two-man team with him and Kane, then all of a sudden he has a few quiet games and you drop him?”
