Son Heung-min says he is excited about Brennan Johnson’s talent – but insists it will take a collective effort for Spurs to replace Harry Kane.
Wales forward Johnson, 22, made a deadline day move from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth in excess of £45m.
His signing has been seen as part of Tottenham’s efforts to replace the attacking void left in the wake of record goalscorer Kane’s move to Bayern Munich.
Son says he is looking forward to lining up with Johnson and seeing him up close when South Korea face Wales in a friendly at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday.
“I think that by coming to Spurs (Johnson) wants to improve and go to the next step,” said South Korea captain Son.
“He will feel the pressure as well but I can’t wait to have him in our team, playing even better football, better attacking, better fast football, but I think everyone has to take that responsibility.
“You don’t want to let Harry go because he’s one of best players in world.
“When you have Harry Kane on your team you have 20-30 goals in your pocket. You have these goals guaranteed, but I think the players have said ‘Okay, everyone has to take a big step forward to move this club forward’.
“Everyone has to take a big responsibility because certainly we’ve lost 30 goals. Now everybody has to step up to make those 30 goals together which is very important.”
Ange Postecoglou’s side have won all three games since Kane’s departure, including a 5-2 win over Burnley before the international break. The game at Turf Moor saw newly installed captain Son grab his first goals of the season with a hat-trick.
Johnson missed that match having completed his move too late to be involved, but will add pace and his own eye for goal to Tottenham’s attack.
Wales captain Aaron Ramsey insisted earlier this week Johnson was ready for the step up, and now Son also backed the 20-cap international’s ability.
“Brennan has shown his quality last year with Forest so I can’t wait to see him with my own eyes,” Son, 31, said. “He is a very good player, I think he has a very good talent.
“I haven’t played with him and I haven’t seen him in action but I can’t wait to see him on Thursday.
(BBC Sport)
