Son Heung-min is loved just as much at Tottenham as by the Asian public who revere him like David Beckham, according to Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino has hailed forward Son as a vital part of his Spurs squad, praising the South Korea international's humility as much as his graft and goalscoring ability.

Harry Kane's 39 goals in 36 Premier League games in 2017 naturally hogged the headlines, but Pochettino has made a point of ensuring Son knows just how highly regarded he is at the north London club.

Asked if the 25-year-old's superstar status in east Asia could rival that of Beckham, the Argentinian replied: "Yes, that is what we think. But we cannot prove this.

"When you talk about Beckham, he's a massive world icon.

"Maybe it's like this with Sonny. But here he's so humble, and he's such a normal guy. That makes him so important to us.

"I think he's such an important player for us, scoring a lot of goals and he's very consistent, in training, his performance.

"He's an important and very good player for us.

"It's true that the headlines are always for Harry or others, but it's important to recognise him, because he's a very great guy, a very good professional and he's always there, scoring and playing well."

Son has struck five goals in his last seven games in all competitions, and continues to switch between midfield and attack without issue.

Pochettino believes Spurs' entire squad appreciate the likeable forward's full value to their set-up.

"Personally, us the coaching staff, we've given him the credit he deserves," Pochettino said.

"When you are next to Harry Kane, achieving all he is and scoring so many goals, it's normal that the focus is on Harry Kane.

"But for us it's very important to show Sonny how much he's appreciated.

"And all the players, all the team, they all love him. It's not only because of his performances, but because of how he is as a man."