Son Heung-min's numbers suggest a slow start. The numbers say something else.
Against St. Louis, Son Heung-min created a clear chance for Denis Bouanga with a precise pass inside the box, which Denis missed. It won’t show up in the stats, but it captures his role at LAFC right now. He is driving the attack without being the one who ends it, and making the likes of David Martinez and Nathan Ordaz better players in the process.
2026 Stats Snapshot (All Competitions)
Sonny's MLS Regular Season stats: 4 appearances (4 starts), 0 goals, 2 assists, ~340 minutes, 10 shots (2 on target)
Concacaf Champions Cup: 4 appearances, 1 goal, 4 assists, ~287 minutes
Total (2026): 8 appearances, 1 goal, 6 assists, ~627 minutes
The 10 pattern has repeated across matches. Son consistently drops into pockets between midfield and attack, attracting defenders and releasing teammates into space. It's something Marc dos Santos told me to expect when I interviewed him during pre-season.
Sonny's underlying contribution as the team's de facto 10 is closer to chance creation than shot volume, which helps explain the gap between his influence on the game and his goal tally. In a system that relies on movement and spacing, especially when attacking in transition, his presence has functioned as a catalyst for others, rather than a final touch.
What I see is someone playing outside his natural position, combined with a low-ego approach. That has allowed LAFC to redistribute attacking responsibilities
There is also a behavioral component to this transition. Son has accepted a reduced scoring role without visible friction, prioritizing team structure over individual output. It could be his age perhaps. But his willingness to operate outside his natural position, combined with a low-ego approach, has allowed LAFC to redistribute attacking responsibilities. It contrasts with more usage-dominant stars that end up injured, and reinforces why the staff has trusted him in a hybrid midfield-forward role early in the season.
A Tactical Repositioning
LAFC's newly appointed head coach, Marc Dos Santos, knew what he was doing: he deployed Son in a more central, second-line role rather than in his traditional left-wing position. Rather than being the primary finisher, Son would link play, draw defensive attention, and create opportunities for teammates.
This adjustment is visible in his numbers and match usage:
- Higher assist output, especially in continental play
- Increased involvement in the buildup phases
- Fewer high-quality scoring chances in MLS matches
In LAFC’s 2–0 win over St. Louis, Son operated centrally, often dropping into midfield spaces. He did not register a goal or assist and was substituted before both goals, extending his scoring drought and prompting reactions from fans and the media.
Why the Change?
The shift appears intentional. Opponents have tightly marked Son, limiting his space in wide attacking zones. By moving him centrally and granting positional freedom, LAFC aims to:
- Disrupt defensive structures
- Open space for runners like Nathan Ordaz and David Martinez
- Increase overall attacking fluidity
As a result, Son’s scoring output has dipped while his creative influence has grown.
Debate Around His Role
The adjustment has triggered discussion. Son is a former Premier League Golden Boot winner, and his reduced goal output raises the question: Is LAFC maximizing his strengths?
So far, results suggest the system works at the team level:
- LAFC opened the MLS season with four straight wins
- Eight goals scored, zero conceded
- The team is through the round of 16 in Concacaf play, now slated to play Cruz Azul in a few weeks
At the same time, Son’s six-match goal drought across competitions shows the tension between individual production and collective balance when it comes to a global icon
Context Starting 2025
The contrast with last season is notable. During his split campaign between Tottenham and LAFC in 2025, Son produced:
- ~12 MLS goals in limited appearances
- ~7 goals and 9–10 assists in the Premier League
That version of Son operated closer to the goal. The 2026 version functions more as a facilitator.
What to Watch in Son Heung-min as the season goes on
Son’s involvement suggests goals may follow as the season progresses. The key question is whether LAFC maintains this structure or repositions him closer to the goal in higher-stakes matches.
For now, Son Heung-min at LAFC exemplifies a clear tactical redefinition: he is not being asked to be the team scorer, but rather a central creator influencing LAFC’s attack. It seems to be working.
