Tottenham: Son may be dropped for Richarlison, claims Mustoe

NBC Sports pundit Robbie Mustoe fears for Son Heung-Min's place in Spurs' starting XI after another brilliant cameo from $71million summer signing Richarlison.

The Brazilian provided an outrageous assist with the outside of his foot to seal victory as Harry Kane headed in his second of the day.

'I think he's gonna be left out of the side,' Mustoe said of Son on NBC following Tottenham's 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

'I couldn't love him anymore as a footballer, but when you've brought in new players and you've brought in Richarlison who sat on the bench patiently -- as probably what should have happened -- he's come in to the game now on numerous occasions and [is] looking really really bright and it isn't quite happening for Son.

'There will be absolutely the occasions when somebody else in that frontline isn't playing well, and you might expect to come back in the side again.

'He might get another game or two maybe you get more maybe he's gonna stick with him for a long period of time.

'But for me, if I'm a Richarlison, I'm like OK, I deserve to start now.'

Robbie Earle echoed the sentiments of his punditry colleague, suggesting Son may receive preferential treatment given his previous successes for the North London club.

'I agree with Mustie -- 40 Premier League goals over the last two seasons, might get him a stay,"OK, I'll give him a little bit after what he's bought to this team,"' he added.

'But this manager doesn't mind making big decisions and you don't spend around $70million on the shelves and to say, "Well, you're not playing well. I'll give you a bit more time."

'The competition for places is part of what Conte wants in his squad.'

Son was visibly exasperated when he was substituted off in the 74th minute for his Brazilian counterpart.

The South Korean is yet to score this season and has only provided one assist in Tottenham's four Premier League games.

Richarlison has an identical stat-line but has played just 63 minutes compared to Son's 319 minutes since his transfer from Everton.