Theo Walcott thinks Tottenham had a forward just four years ago miles better than Son Heung-min
Tottenham Hotspur have been blessed with a host of legendary players over the decades, from the likes of Glenn Hoddle and Ledley King to modern-day icons such as Son Heung-min. The South Korean forward cemented his place in Spurs history last season when he achieved something no player had managed in 17 years—lifting a major trophy as Tottenham captain.
Son, who spent close to a decade at the club, became a fan favourite not just for his consistency but for his humility, loyalty, and leadership. By the time he left North London for Major League Soccer in the summer, he had scored 173 goals and registered 101 assists in 454 appearances across all competitions, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. His move to Los Angeles FC was bittersweet for supporters, but the forward has continued to shine, netting eight goals in his first eight games in the MLS as he prepares for what could be his final World Cup with South Korea.
Yet, not everyone ranks Son as Tottenham’s greatest modern attacker. Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, who played against both Son and Gareth Bale during his career, recently offered his own perspective when blind-ranking some of the Premier League’s most iconic forwards. Interestingly, Walcott placed Bale ahead of Son when asked to compare the two.
The former England international revealed his top five choices, putting Mohamed Salah at number one, Bale at number two, David Silva at three, Eden Hazard at four, and Son in fifth place. Walcott praised all five attackers, but he was adamant that Bale’s impact, particularly at Tottenham and later at Real Madrid, gave him the edge over the South Korean star.
Walcott’s opinion, of course, carries a personal angle. He shared a unique bond with Gareth Bale from their early days at Southampton, where both came through the academy before moving on to bigger clubs. The two were roommates during their teenage years, and Walcott admitted that their friendship was built not just on football but on Bale’s mischievous nature.
“I roomed with Gareth and shared digs with him right up until I moved to Arsenal,” Walcott recalled. “He was great company, but also a bit of a prankster. You always had to be on your guard with him. He’d do little things like balance cups of water over the door so you’d get soaked walking in, or other silly stunts. He kept things lively.”
Bale, of course, went on to enjoy a glittering career after leaving Spurs, becoming a global superstar at Real Madrid where he won multiple Champions League titles, before returning to Tottenham for a brief spell and later finishing his career in the United States. Walcott’s admiration for him seems to stem from both his world-class ability and the personal connection they shared during their youth.
For Tottenham fans, however, the debate between Son and Bale is not an easy one. Bale was electrifying, capable of winning matches on his own with moments of magic. Son, on the other hand, embodied consistency, professionalism, and loyalty—qualities that made him just as beloved in North London. While Walcott may give Bale the nod, many Spurs supporters would argue that Son’s long-term impact at the club, coupled with his trophy lift last season, makes him every bit as legendary.