Son faces harsh criticism after Brazil’s 4–1 victory against Korea.
After his country was eliminated from the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, South Korean forward Son Heung-min has come under fire from former West Ham United attacker Frank McAvennie for playing with less vigor.
Son sustained a facial injury during Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Champions League last month.
Since that time, the 30-year-old has not been on the pitch for Tottenham.
Despite initial concerns over his World Cup participation, Son took the field for his nation against Uruguay in the tournament’s first match.
He did not perform well during the 0-0 draw with Uruguay or the 3-2 loss to Ghana, but in Qatar, South Korea’s most crucial goal—a goal that helped them defeat Portugal 2-1 and advance to the round of 16—was assisted by him.
Son, though, struggled as Brazil humiliated South Korea 4-1 on Monday night in the round of 16.
“He [Son] has been troubled by it [the injury]. That [mask] is uncomfortable for him to wear. When he receives the ball, he has not seemed to be his accomplished self, according to McAvennie on Football Insider.
He was an expert on the ball at all times. He gives off the impression that he wants no one to approach him.
His eye seems to be troubling him. It seems as if he wants no one to strike him ever again. He has to make peace with it in his own mind. That must be removed by him.
