'Son-aldo!': Mourinho Salutes South Korean's Wonder-goal
Sumaira FH Published December 07, 2019 | 11:31 PM
London, Dec 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Dec, 2019 ) :Jose Mourinho hailed Son Heung-min's wonder-strike in Tottenham's 5-0 thrashing of Burnley as the best goal he has seen since an equally stunning effort from Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
On the day he was presented with the AFC Asian International Player of the Year award by compatriot Park Ji-sung, Son underlined his place among the game's elite with arguably the greatest goal of his glittering career.
With Spurs already rampant after early goals from Harry Kane and Lucas Moura, Son stole the show before half-time in north London when he ran from deep inside his own half past a host of Burnley defenders and capped the astonishing burst with an ice-cool finish.
Son's 77 goals in Spurs colours since his 2015 move from Bayer Leverkusen have featured some memorable moments but none have been quite as dazzling as this one.
The 27-year-old winger's 10th goal of the season ranks among the best ever scored by a Tottenham player, alongside Ricky Villa's 1981 FA Cup final gem and Gareth Bale's Champions League classic against Inter Milan in 2010.
Fans on social media compared the goal to classics from Lionel Messi and George Weah, but Tottenham boss Mourinho recalled a sublime solo strike from Ronaldo during his time as a Barcelona assistant.
"Before this goal my son calls him Son-aldo and today he was Son-aldo!" Mourinho said.
"This was an amazing goal. I know that he is going to reach the face of the keeper, his control is unstoppable. The keeper is good, but he managed to put it in.
"The only thing that compares was when I was at Barcelona with Bobby Robson. Ronaldo Nazario, Compostela against Barcelona, 1996.
"Ronaldo got the ball near the halfway line and scored a similar goal, an amazing goal." After working with Son for just a few weeks since replacing Mauricio Pochettino, Mourinho has already developed an extra appreciation for a player he had always admired from afar.
"From the outside I had the feeling about him. I remember speaking with Sir Alex (Ferguson) about Park Ji-sung. It is a cultural thing. They like to learn, they are very humble," Mourinho said.
"I met his parents. I understand where it comes from. The kid is fantastic. I am so happy." - Unselfish Son - Always modest and unselfish, Son claimed he had wanted to pass rather than go on his epic run.
"When I got the ball and tried to pass it to Dele (Alli) but I couldn't find him so I just kept going. I am happy to score this goal," Son told a television interview while Mourinho shouted "give him the man of the match" in the background.
Tottenham captain Kane benefitted from Son's excellence as the first of his two goals came from the South Korean's assist.
And Kane was quick to pay tribute to Son's headline-grabbing performance.
"Sonny stole the show today. An unbelievable goal, a great counter attack," he said.
"All he wants to do is work hard and play for the team. He has great quality and works hard for the team." Tottenham's biggest Premier League win of the season was a welcome tonic for Mourinho after his 100 percent start came to an end at his former club Manchester United in midweek.
"The performance was important, happiness for the fans, happiness for the team, a clean-sheet. I am really happy," said Mourinho, whose side are up to fifth place.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche was less keen to join the praise for Son, preferring to blame his players for not fouling the winger before he got close to the penalty area.
"It's at source we didn't deal with it. Once he gets running, it's time for a technical foul. We are not good at that and didn't do it," Dyche said.
"Of course from his point of view it is a fantastic goal."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Tennis: ATP Barcelona Open results - 1st update
Swiatek's perfect 10 in Stuttgart as Vondrousova stuns Sabalenka
Arandu's roads closed due to flooding
Oil tanker catches fire in Islamabad’s Blue Area
Pakistan committed to ensure safety of foreign nationals: FO
Tennis: WTA Stuttgart results - 1st update
Four passengers injured as train hit an empty vehicle
Over- speeding bus crushed to death two bike riders
Turkey's Freedom Flotilla ready to set sail for Gaza
French teen dies from heart failure after knife attack near school
Iranians appear unfazed by Isfahan blasts
UAF celebrates Int'l Chinese Language Day
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
14 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
5 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
11 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
13 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
13 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
13 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
15 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
15 days ago