Sonny's 2011-12 Season: The Turning Point of Double-Digit Goals

Season Overall Record

Sonny recorded 12 goals and 2 assists in the 2011-12 Bundesliga season, achieving his first single-season double-digit league goals in the Bundesliga. This was a highly significant record, as he became the fourth Korean player in history to score double-digit goals in a European league season.

Throughout his three seasons at Hamburger SV, he recorded a total of 18 goals and 3 assists in 78 matches. Particularly during the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons, he played over 30 games per season, earning absolute trust from the club.

This season, Sonny changed his jersey number from 15 to 40, approaching the season with renewed determination. For Sonny, who was only 19 years old at the time, this was a crucial season that marked his complete leap forward as a professional player.

Analysis of Key Matches

1. Bayern Munich Match - Impressive Performance Against Top Team

The match against Bayern Munich was a representative game where Sonny proved his abilities against Germany's strongest team. In this match, Sonny troubled Bayern's defense with his outstanding speed and dribbling. Although he didn't score, he created several decisive opportunities, making his presence felt. His breakthroughs and crosses from the left wing became the core of Hamburg's attack.

2. Dortmund Match - First Multi-Goal Game

In the match against Borussia Dortmund, Sonny recorded his first multi-goal game of the season. He scored the opening goal in the 25th minute of the first half with a precise right-footed shot from near the penalty area, and added another goal in the 18th minute of the second half with a composed finish in a counter-attack situation. This match was an important moment that showed Sonny could demonstrate goal-scoring ability even in big matches, earning praise from German media as a "future star."

3. Schalke Match - Season's Best Performance

In the Ruhr Derby against Schalke 04, Sonny delivered his best performance of the season. With 1 goal and 1 assist, he led the team to a 2-1 victory. The winning goal was a fantastic long-range shot from 30 meters out. This goal was even nominated as a candidate for the Bundesliga's "Goal of the Week." His aggressive movement and creative play throughout the match left a deep impression on Hamburg fans.

4. Bremen Match - Hero of Dramatic Comeback Victory

In the Northern Derby against Werder Bremen, Sonny played a dramatic role. When the team was trailing 0-2 in the first half, Sonny scored consecutive goals in the 15th and 35th minutes of the second half to equalize, and even provided the winning assist in stoppage time, leading the team to a 3-2 comeback victory. His second goal was particularly impressive, showcasing his individual skills as he dribbled past three defenders to score. After this match, Sonny firmly established himself as Hamburg's key player.

5. Leverkusen Match - Frustrating Missed Opportunities

The away match against Bayer Leverkusen was a game that left Sonny with regrets. He created a perfect one-on-one situation just 10 minutes into the first half but was denied by the goalkeeper's save. He missed two more decisive opportunities in the second half, finishing the match without a goal. The team also lost 0-1, making it a representative game where Sonny's finishing was disappointing. However, these frustrating experiences later helped him develop more composed finishing abilities.

Season's Significance and Growth

The 2011-12 season held deep meaning for Sonny in several aspects. First, his first double-digit goal tally in the Bundesliga marked a significant milestone in Korean football history. Second, through consistent performances on the European stage, he began building international recognition. Third, gaining valuable experience in matches against various strong teams provided a foundation for future transfers to bigger stages.

When Hamburg secured their league survival at the end of the season, Sonny's contribution was absolute. Beyond the numerical value of 12 goals, he played a core role in the team's tactics, with his effectiveness in quick counter-attacks and wing breakthroughs becoming something opposing teams had to study carefully.

This season's success became an important stepping stone that later led to his transfer to Leverkusen and his outstanding performances at Tottenham. Sonny's characteristic speed, goal-scoring ability, and mental strength in big matches were all proven through this season.