Tottenham Hotspur have been lucky enough to have numerous top-level attacking talents on their hands over the last couple of years – often handing the supporters moments to cherish forever.
Heung-min Son is just one player who falls into such a category, with the South Korean forward a talent who often managed to produce the goods within the final third.
The winger scored a total of 173 goals for the Lilywhites, a tally which puts him fourth in the club’s record books, with an impressive chunk coming against local rivals, Arsenal.
He scored nine times in his 22 appearances against the Gunners, the third most of any side he’s faced in his career – further highlighting his impact in the North London Derby.
However, despite his impact for Spurs, he was unable to better one player who has often proved to be a thorn in the side of the club in the meetings against them.
Bukayo Saka’s form against Spurs
After his breakthrough in 2020, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has featured against Spurs on ten separate occasions, subsequently being on the winning side in 60% of the outings.
The Englishman has scored five times against the Lilywhites, averaging a goal every other game and often popping up and finding the net in key moments of derby encounters.
He may not have scored in any of the clashes last season, but he did register the assist for Gabriel’s second-half winner, with Mikel Arteta’s side once again claiming bragging rights.
Saka has now registered 25 or more combined goals and assists in each of his last three seasons, further highlighting the top-level talent he possesses, all despite being just 24 years of age.
Given the levels he’s produced, there’s no denying the Lilywhites faithful must wish they had a player of his calibre, but it’s safe to say stars such as the winger would now cost a pretty penny.
However, boss Thomas Frank shouldn’t worry, with the Dane already having his very own version of the Englishman within his ranks at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Spurs star who’s Frank’s own Saka
Spurs’ 2024/25 campaign was a topsy-turvy one to say the least, with huge highs being achieved all whilst failing to deliver in other competitions under Ange Postecoglou.
The Aussie ended their 17-year wait for a trophy with their Europa League triumph, but ultimately, it glossed over the cracks that appeared in the Premier League.
He could only achieve a 17th-placed finish in England’s top-flight, subsequently suffering 22 defeats in the process – something which would cost him his job in North London.
Frank was appointed as the manager to pick up the pieces, a task he’s seamlessly taken to immediately, as seen by his tally of just one loss in his opening nine competitive outings.
While he’s added the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons to his ranks this summer, he already had his answer to Saka within his ranks in North London.
Dejan Kulusevski is a player who’s yet to feature under the Dane due to injury, but there’s no denying that the attacker will have a huge role to play upon his return in the months ahead.
The Swede, who has been dubbed “phenomenal” by one creator, is currently sidelined with a knee injury, but did manage to star on a consistent basis in 2024/25 before he went under the knife to fix the recurring issue.
He registered 10 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last campaign, ending the year as one of the Lilywhites’ most creative outlets within attacking areas.
Such is the level of his performances last year, he was dubbed as a similar player to Saka by FBref, further highlighting how impressive he was under Postecoglou.
When comparing their respective figures, Kulusevski managed to outperform the Arsenal star in various key areas, showcasing the huge amount of quality he possesses.
The table highlights the depth of areas he managed to outclass Saka, with his return to fitness undoubtedly a huge boost to Frank and the Spurs fanbase.
Games played
32
25
Goals & assists
11
16
Shot on target accuracy
36%
32%
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.2
Passes into final third
2.3
0.7
Passes into opposition box
2.1
1.9
Carries into final third
2.5
1.6
Aerials won
40%
33%
It’s unclear what level of fitness he will possess after such a long injury layoff, but when he gets fully firing, the Swede will add another dimension to the club’s potent frontline.
If he can replicate or better his numbers from last year, there’s no reason as to why the forward can’t help Frank make his first season in North London one to remember.
