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USMNT Legend Explains Why Son Heung-Min Won't Fail Like Giroud at LAFC

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 1:20 PM ET

Son Heung-min's arrival in the MLS is considered one of the biggest signings in the league's history. The South Korean forward joining LAFC is compared to Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami.

Son has played four games with LAFC since joining in early August and has scored one goal and provided an assist. The forward is one of the most influential players in world football, due to the large South Korean fan base that has followed him since his days at Tottenham Hotspur.

Not only has his arrival at LAFC been praised for some positives off the field, but Son's impact on the pitch is praised by MLS fans and former players.

USMNT legend Tony Meola spoke highly of Son Heung-min joining LAFC and compared his arrival to Olivier Giroud, who was a former LAFC PLayer but did not find success.

Tony Meola says Son won't struggle like Giroud at LAFC

In the Call It What You Want Podcast, Tony Meola praised LAFC's signing of Son Heung-min and said it makes sense for the team.

Meola believes that Son fits well in LAFC's team under head coach Steve Cherundolo in comparison to Giroud, who only played at the club for one year and returned to France to play with Lille in Ligue 1.

Tony Meola: "I think he fits in perfectly with what Steve Cherundolo has done with this team. Cherundolo tried to make this a possession team for the last year and a half...Everything is about counterattacks.. Olivier Giroud didn't fit that mold. We saw it, and that's why he's gone."