Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Son Heung Min, MLS, Football, Tottenham Hotspur
Luke Davies
America’s media have already had their say on Son Heung-min after the former Spurs man made his MLS debut on Saturday (April 9).
Son, 33, joined LAFC on a two-year contract from Spurs for a reported fee in excess of £20m earlier this week, bringing his decade-long stay in north London to an end.
Upon his arrival in the States, the popular Korean admitted that the club were not “my first choice” but also stressed how he was “more than happy” and “excited” to get going.
"It's a dream come true. LA - what a city," said Son on Wednesday.
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"If I'm honest, it was not my first choice. But the first call I had with [LAFC co-president] John [Thorrington] after my season finished, he changed my mind, changed my heart, my brain.
"He showed me the destination where I should be. Now I'm here, I'm more than happy, I'm so excited."
And it didn’t take long for the veteran to make his first appearance for LA as he was introduced as a second-half substitute during the side’s 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire at the SeatGeek Stadium.
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Son made an instant impact and won a penalty kick within 20 minutes of his debut before the ensuing spot kick was dispatched by Denis Bouanga with just nine minutes left to play.
Despite his positive contribution, Son explained how he was “disappointed” after the match.
He said: "A bit disappointed not getting three points, but I think everybody put in a lot of effort, happy I made my debut, and I hope the goals come soon."
So, what did the US media make of his 29-minute cameo in Chicago?
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Sports Illustrated wrote: “Son Heung-min is going to be good for LAFC in Major League Soccer.”
The outlet added: "Overall, it was a strong performance from Son, and LAFC would not have been able to get the point without him given that he drew the penalty for Bouanga to score and secure the 2–2 result."
Son has even earned himself a new nickname in States with the commentators often referring to him as 'Sonny' during his debut .
Meanwhile, The Athletic wrote: “He was active and dangerous in his first minutes with his new club, and his run into space on a counterattack provided the decisive moment of the game.”
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AOL explained: “In his first minutes in an LAFC uniform, Son quickly made an impact: In addition to drawing the penalty, he had three shots in the draw. Son had a few clear opportunities, but Chicago keeper Chris Brady was able to get the relatively easy saves on those chances.”
LAFC return to action with a trip to New England on August 17.