The U.S. media criticized Son Heung-min's performance. It is pointed out that Son Heung-min should be provided with many opportunities for the revival of the U.S. Major League Soccer.
The LA Times said on the 1st (Korea time) that "Korean star Son Heung-min's first LAFC (Los Angeles FC) home game was definitely a big event for fans," but added, "But if LAFC expects the ripple effect of Shohei Ohtani's interest in the LA Dodgers through Son Heung-min, some changes need to be made."
The media outlet said, `Inside the penalty arc, Son Heung-min fired a powerful right-footed shot, but the shot hit the post. There was no score"That was practically it. Son Heung-min said, "In LAFC's 1-2 loss to San Diego FC, we failed to create a clear scoring opportunity other than that."
Son Heung-min's LAFC home debut on the day was a big event, just like David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi's MLS home debuts. In the game, Son Heung-min's uniforms were seen throughout the stadium, and some wore Tottenham uniforms. The national flag waved several times in the cheering section behind the goal.
It is a scene that realizes Son Heung-min's popularity, but the LA Times pointed out that it is MLS's homework to link this interest to a long-term increase in ratings.
The media reported that `LAFC has built a loyal fan base, and they will continue to fill the stadium. The problem is not them. The problem is a lot of soccer fans all over the U.S. "There is definitely a demand to see world-class stars that have only been seen on TV, and Son Heung-min is one of those stars. However, it is another matter whether a regular soccer fan will continue to visit the stadium every week or watch MLS broadcasts after seeing Son Heung-min once or twice in person."
Son Heung-min has played in the Premier League for 10 years, and three months ago, he showed a drama while presenting the Europa League trophy to long-time uncrowned Tottenham. In comparison, MLS can feel like a league one or two steps down, and the media argues that fans can perceive the game as a simple event friendly match.
The LA Times' argument is that Son Heung-min should be the main character in the game.
The media said that `LAFC must make better use of Son Heung-min if it wants to maintain its new fan base`"Son Heung-min should be much more involved than he was in the match against San Diego. He persistently pressured the opposing defense, but the fans didn't just come to see him running around."
The fans then wanted him to create a magical scene with the ball, and his ability was constrained by the limited passes the team gave him."
Son Heung-min has played four games for LAFC so far, and has started the last three games. But there are no points in the open play yet. On his debut, he won a penalty, scored an assist in the second game, and scored a free kick in the third game.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
