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Jeff Carlisle
These are the types of midseason signings that every team aspires to make.
Picture a player who integrates effortlessly with their teammates, enhancing the team’s on-field performance. In reality, however, such scenarios often fall short of expectation. This Saturday, though, the MLS Cup playoffs will showcase two standout players who have made a significant impact: LAFC‘s Son Heung-Min and Vancouver Whitecaps‘ Thomas Müller.
It’s almost unfortunate that these two incredible players are squaring off at this stage in the playoffs rather than later in the postseason. Son has enjoyed a remarkable run with LAFC, both on and off the pitch, amassing 10 goals and four assists across 12 league and playoff matches, all while captivating LAFC supporters with his infectious smile. Meanwhile, Müller has also excelled, contributing eight goals and three assists in nine matches, including postseason play.
This success prompts the question: why have Son and Müller thrived where others have faltered, aside from their evident talent? An earlier analysis by ESPN identified several critical factors such as their ability to adapt to different playing styles, forge relationships with new teammates, and possess a strong desire to win.
While this might seem straightforward, it requires a certain character that embraces the distinct soccer culture of the MLS. It’s clear that both Müller and Son have exemplified all these qualities.
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– Understanding MLS’ Discovery Rights: What were the extra steps for Müller to reach Vancouver?
– The remarkable journey of Son Heung-Min, now in MLS with LAFC
LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead vividly recalls the first time he encountered Son. It was during the introduction for a South Korea international prior to a Leagues Cup match against Tigres, when he found Hollingshead warming up with some weights in the locker room.
“I handed [Son] my weights and he said, ‘Let’s get to work,'” Hollingshead reminisced. “He laughed and started doing the exercises. Even in street clothes, he was ready to go. I felt like I needed to test his humor early, and he definitely passed.”
Son’s transition to LAFC was aided by his perfect fit within the team’s counter attacking strategy. LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo identified a need for an additional attacking threat capable of finishing plays and creating goal-scoring opportunities. This prediction came true, as Son’s partnership with Denis Bouanga has been wreaking havoc on opposing defenses, with Bouanga scoring 13 times since Son’s arrival.
Son’s mindset has also been pivotal to his successful adaptation. Hollingshead noted that Son is proactive, willing to voice concerns if something isn’t working, yet does so constructively.
“[Son] is always pushing for things,” Hollingshead said. “As soon as a play breaks down, he’s the first to come over, high-fiving, laughing, and discussing what he could have done better, intent on figuring it out together as a team. His ultimate goal is to enhance team performance.”
Having familiar faces around has also smoothed Son’s transition. LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was previously Son’s captain at Tottenham Hotspur. Cherundolo recalled playing against Son while both were in the Bundesliga, Cherundolo with Hannover 96 and Son with Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen. “He was always a thorn in your side, running and darting—a true nuisance,” Cherundolo remarked.
“All these components point toward one inevitable conclusion,” Cherundolo added, “This was always destined for success.”
Many attributes attributed to Son by LAFC are similarly echoed by Vancouver’s players and staff regarding Müller. There’s a shared drive for excellence combined with a grounded approach.
“He prioritizes the team’s success above all else,” said Vancouver manager Jesper Sørensen, “and from day one, he focused on fitting into our group’s dynamic. His ambition has made it seamless for his teammates and coaches alike to work with him.”
Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter shared how Müller texted him prior to his arrival, enthusiastically introducing himself and expressing excitement about playing alongside him, which left a lasting impression.
“This set the tone from the onset—he wants to be part of the group,” Berhalter told ESPN. “He’s emphasized every day that he aims to be one of the boys, and we’ve worked to make him feel at home.”
Once they formed their camaraderie on the pitch, their discussions spanned a variety of topics—from tactical discussions to recovery strategies and even life perspectives. Berhalter’s key takeaway?
“[Müller] keeps things straightforward and uncomplicated,” shared Berhalter. “He has a clear sense of what he wants and remains true to himself, approaching challenges realistically and without pretension.”
Though Müller has spent his entire professional career in Germany with the prestigious Bayern Munich, he understood that the transition he was making was substantial enough that nothing could be taken for granted. His mindset has proven to be his best strategy.
“I didn’t come here for a vacation,” Müller stated to reporters. “I aimed to make a significant impact right from the start. But adapting to a new country, league, and team always carries uncertainties, so I approached it cautiously.”
“However, throughout my career, I’ve tended to adapt quickly to new situations and tweaks to my playing style,” he added.
The two players have clashed nine times previously, with Müller holding the advantage at 6 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws. Son’s lone victory, though, was monumental: it occurred during the 2018 World Cup, when he netted a goal in South Korea’s 2-0 triumph over Germany, eliminating the reigning champions.
Reflecting on their encounters in the Bundesliga, Müller noted that it wasn’t entirely fair to assess Son based on his days at Hamburg given the disparity in team strength compared to Bayern.
“Now we are both with top teams, and he’s a standout player for LAFC while I’m a star here,” Müller remarked. “The context was different before when Bayern frequently overwhelmed Hamburger.”
LAFC is motivated to avoid a similar fate this Saturday. To do that, they must effectively contain Müller, a challenge Cherundolo is acutely aware of from personal experience.
“He’s one of the most intelligent players in the world, exceptional in reading game situations and understanding what’s required at any moment,” Cherundolo emphasized. “His unique frame and technique might appear disordered, but I assure you, it’s meticulously controlled. His first touch, passing, and finishing skills are top-tier, and he rarely makes mistakes. His awareness of timing and space is world-class.”
Likewise, Son’s abilities are also exceptional, and as the match approaches, fans from both teams, along with neutral spectators, will have the opportunity to witness the prowess of both players. However, only one of them will see their dream season continue.