LAFC is brightening its prospects for the new season, with head coach Mark Dos Santos unveiling innovative strategies for star player Son Heung-min. As the team gears up for its season opener, changes in attack dynamics are expected, particularly in how Dos Santos plans to utilize Son.
New Tactical Overview for Son Heung-min
Mark Dos Santos recently shared insights into his tactical framework. This system will revolve around flexible player positioning, unlike previous strategies that confined players to fixed roles. Son, who joined LAFC in the summer of last year, quickly established himself as a crucial asset. He scored 9 goals and provided 3 assists in 10 league matches, showcasing his effectiveness during playoff competitions.
Dynamic Player Roles
Under Dos Santos’s guidance, LAFC aims to foster a fluid attacking style reminiscent of Paris Saint-Germain, encouraging players to interchange positions. Dos Santos specifically highlighted Son’s proficiency on the left wing but emphasized that he would not be limited to this area. “When Son moves across multiple positions, he brings greater utility to the team,” Dos Santos stated.
Upcoming Matches and Expectations
LAFC will face Real Espana on February 18 at the Francisco Morazan Stadium in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. This match marks the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2026. The second leg is scheduled for February 25 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The Champions Cup, introduced in 1962, features 27 teams from North America and the Caribbean, competing for the top club title in the region.
- 2020 and 2023: LAFC reached the finals but finished as runners-up.
- 2025 Season: The team faced an early exit in the first round.
- Son Heung-min’s first season statistics: 12 goals and 4 assists in 13 matches.
Having finished sixth in the last MLS regular-season standings, LAFC secured a spot in the tournament. This season, they aim to convert past disappointments into success. With Son and forward Deni Bouanga at the helm of their offense, LAFC is being touted as a top contender for the title. The match against Real Espana will serve as a critical early test for Dos Santos’s new tactical vision.
