The Secret to Son Heung-min’s Rapid Adaptation at LAFC? Energy, Humour and a Midfield Ally

When Son Heung-min arrived at LAFC this summer, the headlines were inevitable: a Premier League Golden Boot winner, South Korea’s national captain, and one of the most marketable footballers in the world moving to MLS. Yet the story of his swift integration into the dressing room and the pitch may be best told through the words of a fellow new recruit – Canadian midfielder Mathieu Choinière.

The 26-year-old joined LAFC from Grasshoppers in Switzerland, having spent the majority of his career in MLS with CF Montréal. He arrived just a few weeks before Son and was still finding his own feet in California when the club unveiled their blockbuster signing.

“I’ve been here almost three weeks now and I’m enjoying every moment,” Choinière said this week ahead of LAFC’s trip to New England Revolution. “The staff and players are fantastic, and the way we play suits me perfectly.”

That suitability extends beyond tactics. For Choinière, Son’s arrival has injected both quality and personality into the squad. “Since he joined, he’s been amazing. On the pitch we all know his quality – he’s a fantastic footballer. But off the pitch, he’s constantly joking, always bringing positive energy into the dressing room. It’s a huge lift for the whole team. He’s been incredible at every club he’s played for – Tottenham and before – and it’s an honour to play alongside him. We’ll do everything we can to help him perform at his very best.”

An Immediate On-Field Connection

It’s not just the atmosphere that’s changed. Choinière says Son’s presence is already affecting the way LAFC transition from midfield to attack. “Having him in front of me is a huge bonus for a midfielder,” he explained. “His movement, his ball control – everything he does makes our job much easier. When we have the ball, we can take that extra moment, knowing we have quality options ahead of us. Linking up with him is smooth, and it opens more passing lanes.”

That kind of praise is telling. For a player who only joined weeks ago to so quickly see Son’s movements as integral to LAFC’s build-up speaks to both the Korean’s tactical intelligence and his ability to adapt to a new league.

The Style Shift from Switzerland to MLS

Choinière also reflected on the stylistic differences between his previous league and his new home. “In Switzerland, the game was more open and counter-attack focused,” he said. “MLS is more structured and puts greater emphasis on ball possession. Personally, I think this style suits me better – and it aligns well with what we’re doing at LAFC.”

That blend of structure and tempo could be part of why Son has slotted in so quickly. LAFC’s possession-oriented approach gives him time to read the game, while the league’s space in transition still allows him to use his trademark bursts in behind.

A Natural ‘Locker Room Leader’

Son’s adaptation is also rooted in personality. In the Premier League, he was known not only for his goals but for his role as a “nice guy” – the one who helped new signings settle, bridged language gaps, and set the tone in training.

At LAFC, he’s done it again, even though he’s technically one of the “new boys.” Choinière described a player who approaches team-mates without hesitation, making the atmosphere comfortable for everyone. “He just makes it easy to connect,” the Canadian said. “It’s like he’s been here for years.”

Beyond a Star Signing

What Choinière’s comments reveal is that Son’s quick adjustment in Los Angeles hasn’t happened by accident. It’s the product of three things: world-class ability, an infectious sense of humour, and a willingness to invest in the people around him.

That combination has made him more than just a marquee arrival. In Choinière’s eyes, he’s become an energising force who lifts training, simplifies the job for his team-mates, and reshapes the dressing room dynamic.

When LAFC walk out at Gillette Stadium on Sunday morning Korean time, there will be plenty of attention on whether Son can add to his early moments of impact on the pitch. But within the squad, the feeling is already clear: he’s changed the team for the better – and he’s done it in record time.