'Can't even play soccer properly' Son Heung-min endures vicious, intense marking... yet delivers 'an incredible 7.7 rating' with outstanding performance

*This content was translated by AI.

Recently pushed to his physical limits by a grueling schedule, Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) played the full 90 minutes despite facing intense marking from opponents, laying the foundation for his team's victory. Although he remained scoreless on the field, he demonstrated his status as an ace by leading the attack with sharp link-up play and precise key passes.

On the 13th (Korea time), Son Heung-min started at the forefront of the attack in the third group stage match of the 2026 Leagues Cup against Querétaro FC (Mexico) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA, and played the full match. LAFC drew 1-1 during regular time and then won 5-3 in a penalty shootout to secure two points.

The stage for this Leagues Cup was particularly marked by opposition teams' marking of Son Heung-min that exceeded imagination. In previous matches against Chivas Guadalajara and Toluca (both from Mexico), he endured difficult games due to tight marking by opposing defenses and relentless physical defense.

The Querétaro defense also seemed determined, continuing persistent and rough physical battles against Son Heung-min. They relentlessly marked him, pulling his jersey regardless of the ball's position to prevent him from turning after receiving it. Under the referee's lenient judgment, only one official foul was recorded, and Son Heung-min, feeling frustrated, was captured making an annoyed gesture.

With supply from the front not flowing smoothly, Son Heung-min took matters into his own hands. He dropped deep into the midfield to distribute the ball left and right, creating attacking lanes through movements involving exchanges with teammates.

The equalizer in the 12th minute of the second half, when trailing 0-1, was also largely due to Son Heung-min's initiative. In the final third, he withstood pressure from the opposing defense and accurately passed the ball to the wing. Denis Bouanga then finished with a left-footed shot following the subsequent cross from the right flank.

Goal luck was not entirely on his side. In the 26th minute of the second half, he connected a low cross with a right-footed shot, but the weak strike was saved by the goalkeeper. His right-footed mid-range shot attempt in the 31st minute also went wide to the right of the goal.

His competitive spirit also shone through. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Son Heung-min, taking the second kick, completely deceived the opposing goalkeeper with a powerful right-footed shot and cleanly found the back of the net. His successful penalty was crucial to the victory.

Post-match football statistics platform 'FootMob' awarded Son Heung-min a rating of 7.7 for playing the full match, recording five key passes, one major chance created, two shots, and a 92% pass success rate (35/38), giving him one of the highest scores overall between both teams.

There is no time to rest. Despite physical burdens, Son Heung-min and LAFC, who drove their team to victory by playing the full match, will continue a grueling schedule of three consecutive MLS regular season matches from the 16th to the 23rd over ten days.

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*This content was translated by AI.