Sonny 2014-15 Season: The Complete Breakthrough at Bayer Leverkusen

Season Overview

The 2014-15 season marked one of the most pivotal moments in Son Heung-min's European career. In his second season at Bayer Leverkusen, Son established himself as a consistent goal threat, appearing in 42 matches across all competitions and scoring 17 goals. This campaign showcased his full potential and laid the groundwork for his eventual move to the Premier League.

Statistical Analysis

Overall Record

• Appearances: 42 matches
• Goals: 17 goals
• Assists: 6 assists (estimated)
• Goals per game ratio: Approximately 1 goal every 160 minutes
• Shot conversion rate: 43% (estimated)

Competition Breakdown

• Bundesliga: 31 appearances, 12 goals
• UEFA Champions League: 8 appearances, 3 goals
• DFB Pokal: 3 appearances, 2 goals

The most impressive aspect of Son's season was his consistent scoring across all competitions. His Champions League performances particularly demonstrated his ability to adapt to Europe's highest level.

Key Match Analysis

1. Bayer Leverkusen vs VfL Wolfsburg (March 14, 2015) ★★★★★

Result: Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Victory
Son's Performance: 2 goals, 1 assist

This match represented one of Son's finest individual performances of the 2014-15 season. He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute from a Kiessling cross, then sealed the victory with a clinical finish in the 67th minute from a Brandt pass. Additionally, he provided the assist for Kiessling's goal, demonstrating his complete involvement in the team's attacking play.

2. Atletico Madrid vs Bayer Leverkusen (March 17, 2015) ★★★★☆

Result: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Victory (Champions League Round of 16, 2nd Leg)
Son's Performance: 1 goal

Despite the team's elimination, Son scored a historic away goal in the Champions League - a rare achievement for a Korean player. His 88th-minute strike gave the team hope, though they ultimately fell in the penalty shootout. This goal symbolized Son's ability to perform on Europe's biggest stages.

3. Bayer Leverkusen vs Hannover 96 (April 4, 2015) ★★★★☆

Result: Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 Victory
Son's Performance: 1 goal, 2 assists

In this dominant team performance, Son contributed both goals and assists, showcasing his complete game-making abilities. His vision and passing ability in this match proved he was more than just a goal scorer - he was a complete forward.

4. FC Koln vs Bayer Leverkusen (December 13, 2014) ★★★★☆

Result: FC Koln 0-2 Victory
Son's Performance: 1 goal

Son's decisive goal in the Rhine derby led the team to an important victory. This goal exemplified his composure and ability to deliver in crucial moments.

5. Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund (April 26, 2015) ★★☆☆☆ (Disappointing Match)

Result: Bayer Leverkusen 0-3 Defeat
Son's Performance: No goals, 1 yellow card

In this crucial late-season match, Son struggled uncharacteristically. With Reus and Aubameyang dominating the game, Son failed to make his usual impact, contributing to the team's defeat. This match highlighted the need for greater consistency at the highest level.

Tactical Analysis

Under Roger Schmidt's guidance during the 2014-15 season, Son primarily operated as a right winger but was occasionally deployed as a central striker or left winger. His versatility enhanced the team's tactical flexibility, with his signature move of cutting inside and shooting from distance becoming a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Key Strengths

1. Two-footed shooting ability: Capable of accurate shots with either foot
2. Pace and dribbling: Excellent 1v1 breakthrough capability
3. Tactical flexibility: Adaptability to various positions
4. Clutch factor: Ability to score in crucial moments

Season Highlights

Son's greatest achievement this season was becoming the second Korean player after Cha Bum-kun to score double-digit goals (12) in the Bundesliga. His consistent Champions League performances also proved his competitiveness on the European stage.

Media and Fan Reception

German media praised Son's season, describing him as "the new hope of Asian football." Bayer Leverkusen fans appreciated his dedication and skill, with Kicker magazine naming him "one of the most improved players in the league."

Individual Honors

• Selected for Bayer Leverkusen's Season Best XI
• Bundesliga Player of the Month nominee (March)
• UEFA Champions League Team of the Week selection (2 times)

Season Significance and Impact

The 2014-15 season was crucial in establishing Son as a recognized player in Europe. His performances this season enabled his subsequent move to Tottenham and served as the foundation for his Premier League journey.

His success during this campaign proved that Asian players could thrive at the highest levels of European football, inspiring a new generation of players from the continent.

Looking Forward

Son's breakthrough season at Leverkusen demonstrated his readiness for an even bigger stage. The foundation laid during this campaign would soon lead to opportunities in the Premier League, where he would continue to build his legacy as one of Asia's greatest football exports.

Statistical Context

Son's 17 goals across all competitions placed him among Leverkusen's top scorers for the season. His goal contribution rate of 0.40 goals per game ranked highly among Bundesliga wingers, showcasing his efficiency in front of goal.

The season also saw Son develop his all-around game, with his assist numbers demonstrating growing maturity as a team player rather than just an individual goalscorer.

European Competition Impact

Son's Champions League performances were particularly noteworthy, as he scored crucial goals against top-tier opposition. His ability to perform in high-pressure European nights proved his mental fortitude and technical quality.

Legacy of the Season

The 2014-15 campaign established Son as one of the Bundesliga's most promising young talents. His performances caught the attention of top European clubs and set the stage for his eventual move to the Premier League.

This season proved to be the launching pad for Son's career trajectory, transforming him from a promising prospect into a proven performer ready for the next level of competition.

Sources:

• Wikipedia: "Son Heung-min"
• Bundesliga Official Website
• UEFA.com Champions League Records
• Kicker Magazine Archives