Unsung hero for Spurs: Son Heung-Min

It’s been a remarkable couple of seasons for Tottenham, who have twice achieved their best-ever Premier League finishes, third last year before second in the season just gone.

At the forefront of those title challenges under Mauricio Pochettino was a core of players spearheaded by Dele Alli and Harry Kane, along with the likes of captain Hugo Lloris, Toby Alderweireld and Mousa Dembélé.

But while Tottenham have had a very stable squad, they have also benefited greatly from the contributions of a few players who aren’t necessarily first choice starters.

The most important of the lot has been Son Heung-Min, who racked up 21 goals in his second season at White Hart Lane and served as Pochettino’s ace in the pack.

(Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Preferred to Vincent Janssen up front when Kane was injured before Christmas, Son filled in admirably despite being out of position.

Once Kane was fit again, he reverted to his more familiar position in attacking midfield, proving a valuable complement to Alli and Christian Eriksen.

After eight goals in his first season, following an £18million move from Bayer Leverkusen, there’s no question this has been a breakthrough season for the Korean.

Pochettino’s decision to use him as a left wing-back in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea may not have come off, but Son showed enough this season to prove that he will be a key member of the Spurs squad going into the next campaign.

And whether Erik Lamela returns to fitness, or Tottenham despite to invest in some more attacking talent over the summer, it’s hard to see how the 24-year-old Son won’t take another step forward after the impression he’s made this year.