'13 games, 12 goals → 27 games, just 7 goals': Why has Son Heung-min's scoring dropped sharply? Manager and teammates speak with one voice: "The reason is..."

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

There was a clear reason behind the noticeable decline in goal count and the increased share of assists. It is a change that occurred as Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) stopped staying solely at the top striker position and began dropping back into midfield.

On the 15th (Korean time), LAFC defeated Austin FC 3-1 in their Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season match held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA.

With this victory, LAFC shook off a frustrating winless streak of four matches (two draws, two losses) and recorded a season record of 12 wins, nine draws, and nine losses (45 points).

At the center of the victory was the changed Son Heung-min. Starting as an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Son Heung-min supported his close friend Denis Bouanga, who played as the leading striker.

The reason Son Heung-min is not fixed at the front line and moves to the second line can also be confirmed through voices from the field. Bouanga, who scored a brace off passes from Son Heung-min on this day, explained the switching in a post-match press conference: "Son Heung-min, Armando Sieve, and I, as forward attackers, can play in any position. We just need to fill the empty spaces." He added, "When I finish an attack and drop to the left wing, Son Heung-min or Sieve moves into the center. It is a very natural process."

Interim manager Xabi Tamarat also emphasized the flexibility of the front line. Manager Tamarat stated, "Son Heung-min can swap positions with Sieve or Seba depending on the flow of the game." He continued, "At certain moments, a winger plays in the position Son Heung-min occupied, and Son Heung-min moves to another spot to play. Having this flexibility is a very good element for a manager."

Amidst these tactical movements, Son Heung-min focused thoroughly on setting up teammates rather than acting as a direct finisher himself. After the first half ended 0-0, in the seventh minute of the second half, he intercepted an opponent's ball and broke through alone into the box, but instead of shooting directly, he passed to the surging Bouanga, assisting the opening goal.

Son Heung-min's connection also shone when Austin equalized 1-1 in the 21st minute of the second half. Just one minute after conceding the equalizer, in the 22nd minute of the second half, a ball deflected off Son Heung-min was finished by Bouanga to add another goal. Then, in the 27th minute of the second half, he received a pass from Jacob Shapenberg and scored the decisive goal with his right foot from the center of the penalty box, involving himself in all three of the team's goals.

Last season, Son Heung-min showcased scoring power close to one goal per game by racking up 12 goals in 13 matches. However, this season, including today's goal, he has stayed at seven goals in 27 games. His scoring numbers have decreased significantly. Rather than playing as a target-type striker at the front line and aiming directly for the goal, he is moving between the second line and the entire width of the wings, placing weight on creating opportunities.

Although direct goals have decreased, his assist numbers have accumulated instead. Son Heung-min, who added two assists today, increased his season total to 14 assists, tying for first place in the MLS assists category with Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) and others.

Son Heung-min, who set a new record for the most goals in South Korea national team history (59 goals) with consecutive goals in three A-matches in September and October, recently broke the team's prolonged slump.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original