What Will Former Hotspur Forward Look Like in MLS with LAFC?
The transfer of Son Heung-min to Los Angeles FC has sent shockwaves through the global football landscape. The South Korean superstar's move from Tottenham Hotspur to Major League Soccer is one of the most significant in the league’s history. Now, fans and pundits alike are left to ponder what Son will look like in the MLS with LAFC. The answer lies in a combination of his individual brilliance and how he integrates into a team that already possesses formidable attacking talent. On the pitch, Son will undoubtedly be a force. His speed, agility, and clinical finishing are well documented. He is known for his ability to play off the last defender and create scoring opportunities seemingly out of nothing. His two-footedness and powerful long-range shots will be a nightmare for opposing defenders and goalkeepers. In MLS, a league with less defensive structure and a more open style of play, Son's talents could be unleashed to a degree not seen since his time in the Bundesliga.
The tactical question for LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo is how to best deploy Son alongside the team's existing stars. Denis Bouanga is a designated player who has thrived on the left wing, the same position Son has often occupied. This presents a fascinating dilemma. Son’s versatility means he could play as a center forward or on the right wing, but his most effective form has often come from the left, where he can cut inside and shoot. A potential solution could see Son playing on the right wing with Bouanga on the left and a young striker like Nathan Ordaz or David Martinez in the middle. This would create a terrifying front three with pace and firepower on both flanks. Another option could be a fluid system where the three attackers constantly interchange positions, keeping defenses off balance.
Beyond the field, Son’s arrival is a massive cultural and commercial coup for LAFC. Los Angeles has the largest Korean population outside of Korea, and Son is arguably the greatest Asian footballer of all time. His presence will not only draw massive crowds to BMO Stadium but also significantly expand the club's global brand. The club has been a trailblazer in MLS with its success and star power, and Son’s signing is the ultimate statement of intent. It positions LAFC as a major player on the international stage and a legitimate destination for the world’s best players. In essence, Son’s move to LAFC is about more than just football. It is about a new chapter for a global icon and a major step forward for MLS. While the details of his on-field role will be a topic of discussion, his impact is certain to be immediate and profound. He will bring a new level of excitement, skill, and championship pedigree to Los Angeles FC and the entire league. It should be interesting for fans to see how Son will compare to stars like Messi and whether he will also prefer to miss the MLS All-Star games in the future when it returns again next year.
