"I told you to be willing to bear the pain..." Son Heung-min's all-time rave reviews, why is LAFC's coach so infatuated?

*This content was translated by AI.

It is the dignity of an irreplaceable ace that cannot be judged simply by goals and assists. Son Heung-min (34, LAFC), who showed off an overwhelming class against a strong Mexican team, drew praise from coach Mark dos Santos with his dedication play along with the winning goal that led to the team's victory.

Son Heung-min started against Cruz Asul (Mexico) in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the 2026 North American Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) Champions Cup at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California on the 8th (Korea time) and scored the first winning goal to lead his team's 3-0 victory.

Starting with Son Heung-min's first goal, LAFC added David Martinez's multi-goal in the 39th and 13th minutes of the first half to gain an advantage in advancing to the semifinals.

Son Heung-min, who started as a central striker, shook the net in the 30th minute of the first half by rushing a low cross from the right side to the gate. It was the first field goal in 11 official games this season.

Son Heung-min dominated the game. According to the statistics media 'Foot Mob', Son Heung-min played the role of LAFC's ace by running not only to the offensive area but also to the defensive area. Rather than staying in the front and focusing on scoring, the play that saved his teammates stood out.

The head coach also fell in love with Son Heung-min's dedicated play. According to LAFC's official video, coach dos Santos said in a post-match press conference, "The game against Cruz Asul was a really tough game for the strikers. "When the opponent built up with a three-back, Son Heung-min had to check and pressure the midfield even at the risk of being isolated from the front," he pointed out.

20-year-old Supernova Martinez shone thanks to Son Heung-min's attention. Son Heung-min even with Martinez's first goal, he endured pressure from his opponent and scored a forward pass.

In response, coach dos Santos said, "There was a situation where Son Heung-min was left alone in the front as Denis Buanga focused on defense. Even before the game, he emphasized to the players that they should be willing to endure the pain for LAFC, adding, "The strikers were able to win because they served perfectly as the starting point for defense. "I told my opponent to be courageous every time, and they (Son Heung-min and Buanga) showed fantastic performances," he said.

In addition, coach dos Santos said of Martinez, who scored two goals alone, "It's a true crack with skills," adding, "When I see him, I think of the UEFA Champions League (UCL). I used to say to Martinez, "You're a player who can be a millionaire."

In fact, Son Heung-min has shown off his overwhelming influence in the game even during the period when he did not score. In the last MLS 6th round against Orlando City, he led the league with four assists in the first half alone.

In the Battle of Cruce Asul, he shone in both air and defense. According to "Foot Mob," which specializes in soccer statistics, Son Heung-min completed only one shot with the final shot. In addition, he recorded one key pass, 79% (23/29), two successful ball competitions, and two fouls.

Son Heung-min, who led LAFC to victory in the first leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals, will go on an away trip to Mexico on the 15th and seek to confirm the semifinals. Coach dos Santos said, "I know that the away trip to Mexico will be very difficult," but stressed, "The defensive concentration shown from the offense in the first game should be maintained."

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*This content was translated by AI.