Son Heung-Min’s rumored $20 million move to LAFC has all the makings of a game-changer in MLS, but manager Steve Cherundolo must find the right tactical setup to ensure he becomes the MVP candidate the league expects. Son’s versatility and work rate make him an ideal fit, but LAFC’s system must be designed around his strengths to avoid him becoming an overpaid role player.
Son Heung-Min’s Potential Impact on MLS: Tactical Adjustments Needed at LAFC
It’s hard to imagine Son Heung-Min wearing any other jersey than Tottenham Hotspur’s iconic Lilywhite, especially after spending nearly a decade at Spurs and becoming one of the Premier League’s most beloved stars. But as the South Korean forward nears a potential $20 million move to LAFC, the footballing world is forced to ask: can Son transition into MLS and become the player that the league expects, or will he become another overpaid role player?
On paper, LAFC seems like the perfect destination for Son. Los Angeles offers an exciting lifestyle and a team poised to contend for MLS titles. However, the real challenge lies in how manager Steve Cherundolo integrates him into a tactical system that has been successful, but also requires specific adjustments to make the most of Son’s abilities.
Fitting Son into LAFC’s Tactical Setup
The challenge for Cherundolo is clear: get Son into a system where he can shine as an MVP candidate, not as an afterthought. LAFC’s previous high-profile European signing, Olivier Giroud, was a tactical misfit. Despite the club’s attempts to adapt their playstyle to suit his strengths, Giroud’s limited mobility and age proved to be a poor match for LAFC’s quick, pressing style.
Son, however, is a far better fit. His speed, versatility, and work ethic make him a natural for the high-pressing, transitional game that defines both LAFC and MLS. Whether on the left wing, right wing, or even centrally, Son thrives in systems that value quick transitions and chaotic, high-energy play. His ability to start wide and cut in on his stronger right foot will bring an added dimension to LAFC’s attack.
However, this versatility is where the tactical challenge lies. LAFC’s current roster includes players like Denis Bouanga, who has firmly established himself as a left-winger, making Son’s natural position on the left potentially problematic. Bouanga has delivered impressive performances from the left, making it difficult for Cherundolo to move him.
Son’s Role in the LAFC Forward Line
One possible solution is to deploy Son on the right side, where his cutting ability and dribbling can stretch defences and create space for others. He could partner with Bouanga on the left and play with a central striker like Nathan Ordaz or possibly David Martinez. While Son has played on the right before, he isn’t your traditional touchline-hugging winger.
Instead, he prefers to drift inside, making diagonal runs or cutting in for a shot—reminiscent of players like Mohamed Salah or Thierry Henry. LAFC would need to build their system around this style of play, allowing Son to operate in a free role where his instincts and versatility are fully utilized. This approach could make Son the focal point of the attack, positioning him to fight for an MVP title in MLS.
Son’s Legacy and MLS Impact
Son is not just a brilliant footballer; he’s an icon. His reputation as one of South Korea’s greatest-ever players, coupled with his work rate and technical skill, makes him a global ambassador for the sport. In MLS, he could be the face of the league’s continued growth in Asia, as his presence would draw attention to MLS in one of football’s largest markets.
But while Son has shown he can thrive in chaotic, high-pressing systems, it will be up to Cherundolo to make sure his skill set isn’t wasted in MLS. If LAFC can create a system that maximizes Son’s strengths—his off-the-ball movement, cutting runs, and finishing ability—the Korean forward could easily become one of the league’s most dominant players.
The $20 Million Question
At $20 million, Son’s signing will be LAFC’s highest-profile deal to date. That’s a lot of money for a player who will need to adapt to a new league, new style of play, and perhaps even a new role. But if Cherundolo and LAFC can get the tactical pieces right, Son could elevate the team to an MLS Cup contender while challenging for MVP honors. Without the right setup, however, this could turn out to be a disappointing investment—a top-class player who was never given the proper platform to perform at his best.
The next step for LAFC is crucial. Cherundolo must learn from the Giroud experiment and craft a strategy that takes full advantage of Son Heung-Min’s extraordinary talent. If that happens, MLS fans will see one of the league’s best-ever players take the field, and Son’s time in Los Angeles could become a legacy-defining chapter in his illustrious career.
