It's a relief. In fact, the title of `New King' itself does not suit Son Heung-min (LAFC), who rose to the top of the EPL stage. Just being nominated should be seen as a memorable achievement.
The U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) secretariat announced on its official page on the 5th (Korea time) that `Anders Dryer, who had an outstanding season in San Diego, has been named Rookie of the Year of the Year in 2025.' Drier was overwhelmingly named the 'Newcomer of the Year' with a total of 74.11% of the vote. The runner-up was Son Heung-min, who received 6.3 percent of the vote. In third place was Philip Zinkenagel with 6.21 percent.
This is the expected result. There is no reason to feel sorry. Considering the meaning of the "Rookie of the Year" award, Son Heung-min, who has already spent 10 years in Tottenham Hotspur in the EPL, is not suitable for him, who was recognized as the league's best flanker of the time.
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Even in terms of objective performance, it is somewhat far from Son Heung-min. Drier, who debuted this year, scored 19 goals and 19 assists in his first season, overwhelming 38 offensive points. Of the total 64 goals recorded by his team San Diego this year, 60% came from the dryer. In addition, they played a full-time season from the opening game. There can be no disagreement with Drier's rise to the Rookie of the Year.
Son Heung-min joined MLS last August and played in only 10 games in about three months. Of course, Son Heung-min's impact was considerable. He scored 9 goals and 3 assists in 10 games and formed a 'Heungbu Duo' with Dnie Buanga to lead his team LA FC to the playoffs.
In particular, he was honored that his MLS debut goal, which he achieved with a picturesque free-kick goal in the game against Dallas, was already selected as the "goal of the year". Son Heung-min said his MLS debut season was a success just by winning this award
Although Son failed to become the `Rookie of the Year" player, Son still has a big goal. His team LA FC won the MLS Cup. Currently, LA FC passed the first round of the playoffs lightly with Son Heung-min's performance. Son Heung-min failed to score an offensive point in the first round against Austin in the first round, but was selected as a Man of the Match (MOM) with seven key passes and the starting point of the winning goal.
In the second game, he scored one goal and one assist in the first half alone, leading his team to a 4-1 victory. LA FC has lightly advanced to the Western Conference semifinals with two consecutive wins. Attention is focusing on whether Son Heung-min's performance will lead the team to the championship.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
