“Looked a shell of himself” – National media blasts Tottenham star after 3/10 performance in loss v AZ | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur slumped to a 1-0 defeat against AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie.

Spurs now face an uphill battle in the return fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with their performance in the Netherlands leaving much to be desired.

While the entire team struggled to impose themselves on the game, one player has come under scrutiny for his underwhelming display – Heung-min Son.

The South Korean international has been a talismanic figure for Tottenham, but his showing against AZ was far from the standard expected of him.

National media have not held back in their criticism, with The Express among the most damning. In their post-match ratings, they handed Son a dismal 3/10.

They said: “Not for the first time this season, Spurs’ talisman looked a shell of himself in attack. Started the game out wide before being drafted into the middle at half-time.

“The change made little difference, given the South Korean fluffed his best and only real chance of the match. Subbed off for Dominic Solanke when Tottenham were searching for an equaliser.”

Son completed only one of three attempted dribbles and failed with his one attempt at a long ball. He also lost possession nine times and won only two out of four ground duels.

Tottenham fans will hope this was merely an off night for their captain. With the second leg in North London looming, Son and his teammates must raise their game to overturn the deficit and keep their European hopes alive.

As Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle said, Spurs should count themselves lucky that they are not out of the tournament after such a poor showing in Europe. The performance was horrendous, but they could easily overturn the result in London, especially if more players return to fitness.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou echoed those sentiments. He branded their performance disappointing but reminded everyone that there is still all to play for in the second leg and that they can turn everything around.

(Stats from Sofascore)