Son Heung-Min and Thomas Müller to Shine in MLS Playoffs
This weekend’s MLS Cup playoffs are set to showcase the incredible talents of two standout players who have made significant midseason impacts: LAFC’s Son Heung-Min and the Vancouver Whitecaps’ Thomas Müller.
It’s a bit unfortunate that these two stars are meeting so early in the postseason instead of later rounds. Son has been phenomenal for LAFC, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in just 12 appearances across the league and playoffs, mesmerizing fans with his infectious enthusiasm. Müller has not been far behind, contributing eight goals and three assists in nine outings, including playoff matches.
Such success raises the question: what distinguishes Son and Müller from others who have struggled to make similar impacts? Factors contributing to their success include their adaptability to new playing styles, chemistry with teammates, and an unwavering desire to win. As ESPN explored earlier this year, understanding and embracing the unique soccer culture in MLS plays a crucial role in a player’s success, and it’s evident both Son and Müller excel in this area.
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LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead vividly remembers his first encounter with Son. It was prior to a Leagues Cup match against Tigres, where Son stepped into the locker room during Hollingshead’s warm-up routine.
“I handed him my weights and he said, ‘Let’s get to work,'” Hollingshead recounted. “He was enthusiastic and ready to go, which made it clear he fits right into the team dynamic.”
Son’s adjustment has been fluid, aligning seamlessly with LAFC’s counterattacking philosophy. Manager Steve Cherundolo recognized a missing piece in attack and found it in Son, whose partnership with Denis Bouanga has proved lethal, with Bouanga finding the net 13 times since Son joined the squad.
Son’s determination is also vital to his successful adaptation. According to Hollingshead, Son is proactive in pushing for improvements, promoting effective communication among teammates during training.
Vancouver’s Thomas Müller exhibits similar qualities, with manager Jesper Sørensen noting that Müller prioritizes the team’s aspirations above his own. Even before his arrival, Müller reached out to Sebastian Berhalter, expressing enthusiasm for playing alongside him, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Berhalter emphasized how Müller’s down-to-earth demeanor fostered camaraderie among teammates. The two bonded over various topics, from tactics to life lessons, revealing Müller’s straightforward approach to the game.
Having spent his career at Bayern Munich, Müller was aware that transitioning to a new league would pose challenges. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed his commitment to performing and fitting into the team quickly.
In their previous nine encounters, Müller leads with six wins over Son’s single victory, which notably occurred during the 2018 World Cup when South Korea upset Germany.
Reflecting on their past Bundesliga matchups, Müller remarked on how different the circumstances are now, with both players shining on elite teams.
In anticipation of Saturday’s showdown, LAFC must strategize to neutralize Müller’s impact. Cherundolo understands all too well the difficulty of that task.
“Müller is a brilliant game reader and excels at recognizing what each moment requires,” Cherundolo said. “His technical skill and spatial awareness make him a remarkable player in the box.”
Son is equally formidable, promising a thrilling display for fans of both teams. However, only one of these standout players will continue their pursuit of an MLS Cup title.
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