Son Heung-min’s numbers point to a slow start. The numbers say something else.
Against St. Louis, Son Heung-min’s pinpoint pass in the penalty area created a clear opportunity for Denis Bouanga, but Denis missed it. It won’t show up in the statistics, but it reflects his current role with LAFC. He’s driving the offense but not being the one to finish it, and making guys like David Martinez and Nathan Ordaz better players in the process.
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2026 Stats Snapshot (all games)
Sonny’s MLS regular season statistics: 4 appearances (4 starts), 0 goals, 2 assists, about 340 minutes, 10 shots (2 on target)
CONCACAF Champions League: 4 appearances, 1 goal, 4 assists, about 287 minutes
Total (2026): 8 appearances, 1 goal, 6 assists, about 627 minutes
The pattern of 10 was repeated throughout the game. Son Heung-min is constantly getting into the pocket between midfield and attack, attracting defenders and releasing teammates into space. When I interviewed Mark Dos Santos in preseason, he told me to expect this.
As the team’s de facto No. 10, Sonny’s fundamental contribution is closer to chance creation than shot count, which helps explain the disparity between his impact on games and his goal tally. In a system that relies on movement and spacing, especially in transition, his presence serves as a catalyst for others rather than the final touch.
Los Angeles, California, USA – March 11, 2026: Son Heung-min takes aim at the ball during the match against Alajuelense at BMO Stadium. (Celso Oliveira/Pitchside US)
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What I see is a guy playing outside of his natural position combined with a low ego attitude. This allows LAFC to reallocate attacking duties
There is also a behavioral component to this shift. Son Heung-min accepted a reduced scoring role without apparent friction, prioritizing team structure over individual output. Maybe it’s his age. But his willingness to operate outside of his natural position, combined with a low-ego attitude, allowed LAFC to redistribute offensive duties. It’s in stark contrast to more stars who have ended up injured and reinforces why the staff trusted him in a hybrid midfield forward role at the start of the season.
tactical repositioning
LAFC’s newly appointed head coach Mark dos Santos knows what he’s doing: He’s deploying Son Heung-min in a more central second line position rather than the traditional left wing role. Rather than being the primary finisher, Son Heung-min connects the play, attracts defensive attention, and creates opportunities for his teammates.
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This adjustment can be seen in his statistics and game usage:
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Higher assist output, especially in mainland competitions
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Increase involvement in the build phase
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Fewer quality scoring opportunities in MLS games
In LAFC’s 2-0 win over St. Louis, Son was active in the middle of the park, often dropping deep into midfield. He had no goals or assists and was substituted before two goals, extending his goal drought and prompting reactions from fans and media.
Why change?
Los Angeles, California, USA – March 11, 2026: Son Heung-min takes a corner kick against Alajuelense at BMO Stadium. (Celso Oliveira/Pitchside US)
This shift appears to be intentional. Opponents tightly focused on Son Heung-min, limiting his space in the wide attacking area. By centering him and giving him positional freedom, LAFC aims to:
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Destroy defensive structures
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Open space for runners like Nathan Ordaz and David Martinez
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Improve overall offensive fluidity
As a result, Son’s scoring output has declined while his creative impact has increased.
Controversy surrounding his role
This adjustment triggered heated discussions. Son Heung-min, a former Premier League Golden Boot winner, has seen his dwindling goal tally raise the question: Are LAFC maximizing his strengths?
So far, the results show that the system works at the team level:
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Los Angeles FC opens Major League Soccer (MLS) season with four straight wins
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Scored eight goals and conceded no goals
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The team has advanced to the last 16 of CONCACAF and is expected to face Blue Cross in a few weeks
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min’s six-game goal drought in all competitions illustrates the tension between individual performance and collective balance as a global icon.
Background for the start of 2025
The contrast with last season is very obvious. In 2025, Son Heung-min created the split season between Tottenham Hotspur and Los Angeles FC:
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Scored approximately 12 MLS goals in limited appearances
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Approximately 7 goals and 9-10 assists in the Premier League
That version of Son was closer to the goal. The 2026 version acts more as a facilitator.
What to watch from Heung-Min Son as the season progresses
Son Heung-min’s involvement suggests goals may follow as the season progresses. The key question is whether LAFC will maintain this structure or reposition him closer to goal in higher-stakes games.
Currently, LAFC’s Son Heung-min embodies a clear tactical redefinition: he is no longer required to be the team’s scorer, but to become the core creator that affects LAFC’s offense. It seems to be working.