‘I didn’t like it’: Jamie Redknapp slams £22m Tottenham player after seeing him v Aston Villa yesterday
Jamie Redknapp, a passionate critic and former footballer, often shares strong opinions about Tottenham Hotspur, a club he has watched closely for years. After Spurs’ recent showdown against Aston Villa, Redknapp didn’t hesitate to call out one of their star players, Heung-Min Son, following a tense sideline incident. While Tottenham ended up winning the game in style with a 4-1 scoreline, their success didn’t come without a few bumps along the way, and Redknapp’s critique adds an extra layer to an already eventful match.
Tottenham’s impressive second-half turnaround helped mask a rocky start, sparing some players from sharper criticism. Spurs were trailing at the break, and Frank Lampard, analyzing the match alongside Redknapp, pointed to the mistakes of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario as part of Tottenham’s early struggles. Yet, Spurs turned things around brilliantly, showcasing the impact of Ange Postecoglou’s tactical adjustments, which ultimately led to a dominant scoreline. However, as is often the case with Tottenham, drama wasn’t far away, and this time it involved none other than their captain and fan-favorite, Heung-Min Son.
The unexpected moment came in the second half, after Postecoglou decided to substitute Son for Richarlison. Son, who has been in excellent form since returning from injury, reacted with visible frustration. His disappointment was apparent on the sidelines as he took his seat on the bench, clearly displeased with the decision. This reaction sparked immediate debate among pundits and fans, questioning whether the behavior was befitting of a captain. Son’s response drew the attention of Sky Sports commentators Jamie Redknapp and Roy Keane, both of whom offered distinct viewpoints on the incident.
Roy Keane, known for his straightforward and often intense perspectives, showed some understanding toward Son’s frustration. “He’s just come back from injury, so I understand his drive to keep playing. At 1-1, it’s a big call for any manager to take off a player like Son, but it was clearly the right move in the end. Postecoglou has to trust his entire squad, not just a few stars,” Keane said, suggesting that while Son’s displeasure was natural, the team’s success must come first. Keane’s viewpoint implies that Postecoglou made the best choice tactically, and Son simply needed to accept it as part of the team game.
Jamie Redknapp, however, took a slightly harder line on Son’s reaction. Expressing his disappointment, Redknapp explained that Son, as Tottenham’s captain, should serve as a role model for the rest of the squad. “I didn’t like what I saw, to be honest,” Redknapp admitted. “Richarlison came on, went straight into Son’s position, and contributed to the team right away. Postecoglou was trying to protect Son, probably thinking about his recovery from injury. But as a captain, Son needs to show respect for the decision and his teammates. It was uncomfortable to watch,” he added, underscoring the responsibility Son carries as the team’s leader on the pitch.
Redknapp’s view hints at a deeper expectation for Son. Beyond his role as a talented forward, Son is a leader within the club, and his behavior sets the tone for the rest of the team. Displaying frustration openly, especially during a pivotal game, can send mixed signals to younger players and fans alike. Passion is part of the game—most players don’t enjoy being taken off, and managers generally accept this. But for a club captain like Son, the bar is set higher. Redknapp’s critique suggests that Son could have channeled his disappointment more positively, showing respect for Postecoglou’s judgment and supporting his team from the sidelines.
Despite the controversy, there is a good chance that this incident won’t linger. Given Son’s well-known character and professionalism, he has likely spoken with Postecoglou and smoothed things over. As a player with an exemplary record of loyalty and respect, Son is unlikely to let a single incident define his relationship with his manager or teammates. Furthermore, Postecoglou’s tactical move was ultimately justified, as Richarlison made a strong impact upon entering the game, contributing to Tottenham’s confident finish.
In the end, Tottenham’s victory may serve as a reminder of the depth and resilience they’re developing under Postecoglou’s leadership. Son’s display of emotion, while perhaps excessive, underscores his competitive nature—a quality that, when channeled correctly, makes him one of the team’s most valuable assets. Yet, as Tottenham’s captain, Son holds a unique position that requires him to balance his passion with the maturity and composure expected of a leader. It’s likely that this incident will soon be forgotten, especially as Spurs continue their winning momentum, but it may serve as a learning moment for Son as he leads Tottenham through the highs and lows of the Premier League season.