Son Heung-min (33, LAFC) has spread the wings of a revival in the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS), overcoming criticism last season. Behind that were LAFC's meticulous care and help from his former club Tottenham Hotspur.
U.S. outlet Pitch Inside US on the 7th (Korea time) reported, "LAFC revealed an energy plan to maintain Son Heung-min's peak performance. Although he is new to MLS, his training routine is the result of years of elite-level performance."
The outlet reported, "According to LAFC performance nutritionist Connor Spencer, LAFC focuses on smart collaboration rather than rebuilding player routines. Especially for players of Son Heung-min's caliber. Spencer appeared on the Black and Gold Insider broadcast and shared interesting stories about how they fuel players, including Son Heung-min, before matches."
Spencer said, "When a player like Son Heung-min joins, the first thing I ask is, 'How have you been doing this far?' I write it down like a secret note. What suits Son Heung-min, what he eats after matches, how he prepares. And based on that information we support the player."
Son Heung-min left Tottenham for LAFC last August. It was a decision that put an end to a 10-year partnership with Tottenham. In fact, Tottenham did not intend to let Son Heung-min go, but it was reported that the player himself had a strong desire to transfer.
Son Heung-min wanted a graceful farewell. Having celebrated his best moment last season by lifting the UEFA Europa League (UEL) trophy, he said he wanted to leave to applause at the top. Tottenham also showed their final respect for Son Heung-min by accepting the U.S. offer instead of Saudi Arabia, which could have yielded more transfer fee.
Of course, Son Heung-min's transfer fee was not ordinary. LAFC paid Tottenham $22,600,000 (about 32.9 billion won), setting a new MLS record for the highest transfer fee.
There were also worried views. Son Heung-min struggled last season at Tottenham due to the aftermath of injuries and the team's poor performance. Although he recorded 11 goals and 11 assists in 46 matches, his influence on games seemed to have declined significantly. Because of this, some Tottenham fans criticized his aging curve, saying, 'Son Heung-min is finished now.'
All those concerns were unfounded. Immediately after his MLS debut, Son Heung-min scored 9 goals and provided 3 assists in 10 matches, showcasing his superstar qualities. Son Heung-min and Deni Buanga, the 'Heung-Bu duo,' instantly became MLS's best attacking combination.
Thanks to that, LAFC rose to third in the league, losing only once in matches Son Heung-min played, and continued their title challenge by beating Austin in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs. Son Heung-min also contributed to the team's victory by scoring in the second leg against Austin.
Son Heung-min's influence is overwhelming off the pitch as well. According to John Thorrington, LAFC president, immediately after the transfer his jersey became the best-selling jersey in global sports beyond soccer. LAFC also noted, "Club content increased by about 33.98 billion views, a 594% rise, and media coverage increased by 289%."
Setting aside criticisms that 'his energy is gone,' Son Heung-min is sweeping the American stage. Of course, the difference in level with the Premier League should be considered, but he is definitely sharper. This revival was aided not only by Son Heung-min's physical management but also by LAFC's special care and Tottenham's cooperation.
Spencer said he is designing a customized diet for Son Heung-min. He said, "Players have previously hired nutritionists and have participated in multiple World Cups. So the goal is improvement, not retraining. Every player must be ready to play until the end. That starts with diet," adding, "We want players to feel recognized. That what worked at Tottenham can continue to be valid here."
He said they are fully supporting the use of Son Heung-min's preferred key nutritious foods and small details that give him comfort. This also appears to have helped him quickly adapt to the unfamiliar MLS environment.
Pitch Inside US emphasized, "Tight schedules, long-distance travel, altitude changes, and midweek matches in MLS impose unique physiological burdens that players who spent a lot of time in the Premier League did not experience," adding, "Son Heung-min moves from sea level in LA to the high altitude of Denver and then the next weekend to the hot weather of Texas. Therefore, nutritional intake is a key element of competitiveness."
Spencer said he also plans meals for players to eat after they return home. Converting training meals into actual foods that can be easily eaten at home, such as rice, chicken, salmon, and pasta. Pitch Inside US reported, "Spencer's goal is to help players perform at their best and recover quickly. Not every LAFC player sprints down the flank at Son Heung-min's pace, but every player trains and receives nutrition to be ready if their name is called within five minutes."
Tottenham's behind-the-scenes cooperation was also revealed. Pitch Inside US noted, "Son Heung-min joined LAFC after years of playing at a high level alongside former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris. Spencer does not hinder that but cooperates with Son Heung-min's previous nutrition team to tailor LAFC's support system to him."
The outlet added, "For Son Heung-min, who spends a lot of time in attacking positions, a carbohydrate-centered diet helps maintain quick breakthroughs, full-speed runs late in games, and tactical advantages. In particular, Spencer emphasized the importance of cooperation over control for experienced veteran players."
Son Heung-min's specific diet was also revealed. For example, on the day before important matches like LAFC versus Vancouver in the MLS playoffs, players like Son Heung-min are recommended to eat pancakes, French toast, and waffles with syrup for breakfast. This is to pre-load carbohydrates to maximize muscle glycogen before the match.
Spencer said, "We want energy-dense foods that are easy to eat. Pancakes and syrup are high in carbohydrates and easy to eat. Juice, rice, and banana bread are the same," explaining, "The goal is to increase energy stores so players can compete at full strength the next day."
[Photo] LAFC, Tottenham social media.
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