Son Heung-min, '7 game field goal 0' again, selected as an offensive midfielder... A 22-year-old prospect 'One Top Pick'

*This content was translated by AI.

He is also an offensive midfielder. Son Heung-min (34), who failed to score a field goal in seven games this season, will stand behind the striker, not the familiar Los Angeles FC front-line position.

Son Heung-min's team LAFC will face Alahuelense (Costa Rica) in the second round of the round of 16 of the 2026 North American Caribbean Football Federation (CONCACF) Champions Cup at Estadio Alejandro Morela Soto in Alahuela, Costa Rica, at 10 a.m. on the 18th (Korea time).

In the first round at home, LAFC won a 1-1 draw. He will meet Monterrey or Cruz Asul (Mexico) if he advances to the quarterfinals after beating Alahuelense.

Son Heung-min will also play as an offensive midfielder in the 4-2-3-1 formation in the second round of the round of 16 against Alahuelense. Son Heung-min, who played as a striker under former coach Steven Cheruntholo last season, seems to be focusing on playmaking rather than finishing the scoring himself after the appointment of new coach Mark dos Santos.

In this game as well, coach dos Santos put 22-year-old promising striker Nathan Ordaz at the forefront. Deeney Buanga, Son Heung-min and Timothy Tillman will be in the second line.

Marc Delgado and Mathieu Shuaniere will be the central midfielders, while Eddie Segura, Nkosi Tapari, Ryan Porteous and Serhiy Palencia will be in charge of the four backs. The goal is defended by Hugo Lloris.

This season, Son Heung-min has not scored a field goal in seven consecutive games. CONCACAF Real España (Honduras) and one penalty goal in the first round of the first round.

Compared to last season, the decline is more noticeable. Son Heung-min showed off his scoring ability with 12 goals and 3 assists in 13 games under Cherun Tolo and nearly one goal per game. However, after the appointment of coach dos Santos, he often came down to the midfield and solved LAFC attacks.

Local media also expressed concerns. The soccer media "Goal Dotcom" also criticized Son Heung-min, who had no goals until the fourth round of the Major League Soccer (MLS) this season, by putting him on the list of losers that did not meet expectations.

The media outlet said, "Son Heung-min was a tremendous player who scored nine goals in 10 games in the last MLS regular season," but added, "He has not scored yet this season. He pointed out, "I have three assists, but the sharpness has become dull to the extent that I have only two shots on target."

Son Heung-min, who is in desperate need of his first field goal, will also play as a midfielder, not a striker, against Costa Rica's strong team. In the first round, Son Heung-min played full season as a front-line striker, but he recorded only one assist and failed to score all seven shots.

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*This content was translated by AI.