Son Heung-min Defends Partnership as LAFC Struggles to Find Form

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[MyDaily — Reporter Kim Jong-guk] Son Heung‑min says he has no problems linking up with Bouanga.

LAFC will host Seattle in Round 14 of the 2026 MLS season on the morning of the 25th (KST) in Los Angeles. The club has slipped to 8th in the Western Conference with a 6-3-5 record (21 points) following a 3-game losing streak and a 4-match winless run. Over the last 4 seasons LAFC has finished 1st twice and 3rd twice in the West, cementing its status as one of the league’s top sides. Since bringing in coach Dos Santos this season, however, the team has dropped into the midtable and shown uneven form.

Speaking to MLS on the 24th ahead of the Seattle match, Son addressed his partnership with Bouanga. “I’m really happy to see young players like Martínez performing well,” he said. “Last year was a bit chaotic at times, and there was a tendency to overhype things. Our link-up play with Bouanga is still functioning. I’m not overly worried. Bouanga is a terrific talent, and I trust my own ability. I think another chance will come.”

Son added that it’s difficult to make definitive judgments about the current situation but that the team atmosphere remains positive. He also called the results against Nashville and St. Louis “unfair,” saying the team deserved points from those matches.

Although Son hasn’t scored in MLS this season, he leads the league with 9 assists; 5 of those have set up Bouanga’s goals. Last season, 2 of Son’s 4 assists went to Bouanga, and he has continued to create chances for his teammate this year.

After the Nashville match, Bouanga suggested the connection with Son hasn’t been as threatening as last season, noting tactical issues and saying, “It’s hard to find Son during matches.” When his comments drew criticism, Bouanga clarified he did not intend to blame the coaching staff or the team’s style of play. He currently has 6 goals and 5 assists this season.

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