Newcastle United’s Jacob Murphy has been ranking some of the best wingers of all time and has made an interesting claim about one Tottenham star.
In a TikTok video posted by Goal, Murphy took part in a head-to-head style challenge, pitting legendary wide men against each other in knockout fashion.
Among the comparisons, he was asked to choose between the likes of Mohamed Salah vs Ronaldinho, Arjen Robben vs Eden Hazard, and Gareth Bale vs Neymar.
Jacob Murphy picks Heung-min Son over Angel Di Maria
Murphy made a few bold choices, opting for Salah over Ronaldinho, Robben over Hazard, and Bale over Neymar.
But one decision that stood out was his pick of Tottenham’s Heung-min Son over former Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria.
Son did lose out to Salah in the next round and understandably so given the Ballon d’Or level form Salah has been in.
The Egyptian was eventually picked as his winner with Murphy choosing Salah over Bale in the final round.
Son over Di Maria is no surprise though with longevity alone a major factor. Son has been consistently performing for Tottenham for a decade.
The South Korean has made over 300 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 127 and assisting 77 and consistently performing, despite playing in a largely underwhelming Spurs side during much of that time.
In contrast, Di Maria’s brief stint in the Premier League was far less memorable. The World Cup winner joined Manchester United in 2014 but managed just 27 league appearances, scoring three and assisting ten.
Across all competitions, he made 32 appearances, scoring four and assisting eleven. However, that one-season spell doesn’t do justice to his quality, having been a key player in Real Madrid’s success prior to the move.
Tottenham open to selling Heung-min Son despite trophy-winning campaign
Despite his consistent performances for the club, Tottenham are now open to selling Son this summer after deciding against extending his current contract.
Tottenham triggered a one-year extension in Son’s contract earlier this year, which saw his contract extend till 2026.
But concerns over the 32-year-old’s fitness and a dip in performance levels last season have prompted Spurs to consider cashing in.
Saudi have previously shown interest in Son and could be an option for the South Korean, if they are to revive their interest in him. And as per a recent report, Saudi Pro League have made an approach for Son.
Should he leave Tottenham this summer, it would mark the end of an era, but also see him leave on a high.
Son captained the club to Europa League glory this past season, helping end Spurs’ 17-year wait for a major trophy.
The South Korean will forever be remembered as a Spurs legend.