SEOUL (AFP) – Son Heung-min said he was “feeling great” ahead of the World Cup and backed himself to perform despite suggestions that South Korea’s talismanic captain’s powers are on the wane.

The 33-year-old skipper has scored only two goals since leaving Premier League Tottenham for Los Angeles FC in the MLS in August last year.

He has also struggled with South Korea, who head to the World Cup on the back of a dismal run of results and will face the Czech Republic, South Africa and co-hosts Mexico in Group A.

South Korea lost 4-0 to the Ivory Coast and 1-0 to Austria in recent friendlies.

Son tried to lift the mood as he spoke to reporters at the team’s training camp in Salt Lake City on Tuesday.

“A lot of people are worried, but I’m only worried if I’m not playing well,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s the case now. Physically, I am feeling great.”

South Korea face the Czechs in Guadalajara on June 11, the opening day of the tournament which is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

They reached the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before being sent packing 4-1 by Brazil.

Son, who will be playing at his fourth World Cup, said the players “need to know where our team-mates are with our eyes closed”.

“Of course we want to get to a higher place this time and do better than the last World Cup,” he said.

“But we can’t predict the future. Other teams will be preparing just as hard.”

Son has scored 54 goals in 143 games for his country and been their inspiration for more than 15 years.

He has scored three World Cup goals to give him a share of South Korea’s record with Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan.

“Obviously, it’s impossible not to be hearing about these records. People have been talking about them, and fans have taken great interest in them,” Son said.

“But I’ve just not been thinking too much about them.

“If I put the team above all else and worry about how I can help the team first, then goals will naturally follow.”

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin