Is LAFC’s Tactical Shift Hurting Son Heung-min? A Deep Dive into 2026 Season Struggles

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[SPOTV News—Reporter Park Dae-sung] Denis Bouanga (31, LAFC) went public with a sharp critique of coach Mark dos Santos’ tactics, saying the coach’s approach is a major reason Son Heung-min (33) hasn’t matched last year’s production.

LAFC kicked off the 2026 season under dos Santos with an unbeaten run and a string of wins. The coach shifted away from the system Steve Cherundolo used, and while the Son–Bouanga “Heungbu duo” hasn’t clicked like before, the team’s early results masked any real criticism.

But a congested schedule — including commitments in the Champions Cup — has exposed flaws in dos Santos’ tactical setup. After a Champions Cup semifinal exit, LAFC failed to rebound, then fell 2–3 at Nashville on the 18th (Korean time), slipping to seventh in the Western Conference.

It’s LAFC’s first stretch of four straight official losses in five years. A sputtering attack has left Son without a league goal to this point.

According to LAFC, after the match Bouanga told reporters, “It’s a difficult situation for both Son and me. This year we’re playing a different way. Son is the center forward, and I’m out wide, separated from him. We’re trying to adapt, but it’s not easy. We can’t play the same way we did last season.”

Bouanga’s line that “we’re adapting but it’s not easy” made clear he has doubts about dos Santos’ tactical plan.

He added, “Whenever I get the ball, I try to find Son. I also try to find other teammates, but that’s really hard. I can’t find the right words to fully explain the situation,” signaling that the current system isn’t meshing with the squad.

Last season Bouanga erupted for 24 league goals and 7 assists, finishing with 32 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. Son posted similar form late in 2025, scoring nine goals in 10 league games and 12 overall, including cups. Under dos Santos so far, Bouanga has six league goals, and Son remains goalless in league play.