Tottenham Hotspur has undergone significant transformation since Mauricio Pochettino’s departure in 2019. While most of the team has been completely overhauled, two players remain from that era: Ben Davies and Son Heung-min. As the club looks to the future, finding a long-term replacement for Son has become a critical priority.
Son, now 32 years old, is approaching the twilight of his career. Research from The Athletic indicates that wingers typically peak around age 26, making Son’s continued high-level performance increasingly challenging. Despite scoring four goals and providing four assists in 14 games this season, he appears less dynamic on the pitch.
Injury concerns further complicate Son’s role. He has already missed ten games this season due to thigh and hamstring issues, highlighting the importance of finding a capable successor. While Son may continue to contribute to the squad, he can no longer be relied upon as a consistent starter.
The potential solution comes in the form of PSV Eindhoven’s Malik Tillman, a 22-year-old rising star who has caught the attention of Tottenham’s management. With a release clause of up to £33 million active this summer, Tillman represents an exciting prospect for the club.
Notably, Mauricio Pochettino has drawn comparisons between Tillman and Dele Alli, praising the young player’s similar talent and potential to become a game-changing midfielder with proper coaching. This endorsement carries significant weight, given Pochettino’s track record of developing young talent
Tillman’s statistics are particularly impressive. In just 20 appearances this season, he has scored eight goals and provided four assists, demonstrating his ability to play effectively across multiple positions – from attacking and central midfield to defensive midfield and wing.
Interestingly, FBref has compared Tillman to Jude Bellingham, ranking him as the third most similar midfielder in the Champions League this season. Their underlying metrics are remarkably close, including
With an incredible record of 17 goals and 19 assists in 59 appearances for PSV, Tillman appears more than capable of filling the void left by Son’s eventual departure.
Former Ajax star Kenneth Perez has gone as far as billing Tillman as a potential £120 million star in the making. His versatility, goal-scoring ability, and potential for growth make him an attractive prospect for Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou’s management.
While signing Tillman may prove challenging, his incredible talent and versatility make him an ideal candidate to replace Son. His ability to play multiple positions provides Tottenham with tactical flexibility and a potentially transformative young talent.
Daniel Levy and the Tottenham management would be wise to pursue Tillman aggressively. Under Postecoglou’s guidance, the young player could develop into a truly exceptional footballer, helping to usher in a new era for the club.
As Tottenham continues to evolve and rebuild, Malik Tillman represents more than just a potential replacement for Son Heung-min – he symbolizes the club’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young, dynamic talent capable of making a significant impact.
