MLS 2025: Thomas Müller and Son Heung-min Debuts Signal League’s Growing Competitiveness

Gilbert Bita
Aug 18
3 min read

Major League Soccer (MLS) is changing its story. Once branded as a landing spot for aging European icons, the league is now demanding more from its newcomers. The 2025 season has introduced global stars like Thomas Müller and Son Heung-min to MLS, but their debuts show just how MLS competitiveness has become. Easy goals and instant success are no longer part of the script.

Müller’s Debut: Almost, But Not Quite

Thomas Müller arrived in Vancouver with a legendary résumé—230 goals, 217 assists, and a trophy cabinet stacked from a career at Bayern Munich. In his Whitecaps debut against Houston Dynamo, the 35-year-old “Raumdeuter” almost made an instant impact, unleashing a thunderous strike that looked destined for a dream debut goal. The stadium erupted—until the referee’s flag went up. The goal was called back for an earlier offside.

The match ended 1–1, denying Müller the storybook start. Still, his influence was everywhere. He tracked back to win possession, directed teammates into space, and orchestrated the Whitecaps’ tempo. His leadership and intelligence elevated Vancouver’s performance, even without an official goal to show for it. The Müller Effect is already reshaping the Whitecaps’ approach.

Son’s Spotlight: A Star Adjusting to New Roles

Across the border in Los Angeles, Son Heung-min’s arrival at LAFC has been one of the biggest stories of the summer. The South Korean superstar instantly connected with LA’s massive Korean community, bringing global buzz to BMO Stadium. On the pitch, though, his debut was more about adaptation than dominance.

Coming off the bench, Son was deployed centrally instead of his favored left-wing role—occupied by Denis Bouanga. That overlap creates a tactical puzzle for LAFC. Both players excel cutting inside from the left, but Son’s creativity and energy still shone through. The moment he stepped onto the field, LAFC’s pressing and attacking tempo noticeably lifted. The Son Effect was less about goals and more about urgency.

MLS Competitiveness: Why the League Is No Longer a Soft Landing

Müller and Son’s challenges mirror those faced by other high-profile arrivals. Rodrigo De Paul, Inter Miami’s $20 million signing, has mixed moments of brilliance with growing pains in regular-season play. Even established stars now face the grind of long travel, turf fields, and relentless pressing from athletic defenders.

The days when Beckham or Zlatan could walk into MLS and dominate purely on technical superiority are fading. Today’s league is balanced and unforgiving.

MLS on the Rise

Behind the star names is a league evolving with substance. Coaches like Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew) and Javier Mascherano (Inter Miami) are implementing modern systems that mirror Europe’s best. MLS teams are recording more recoveries per 90 and more progressive passing than in past years, a reflection of tactical growth and rising intensity. Investments in youth academies are paying off, producing domestic talent capable of competing shoulder to shoulder with global icons.

This isn’t the MLS of 10 years ago. It’s a league where stars must prove themselves all over again—and that, in itself, proves the league’s progress.

🔎 Müller Watch (Vancouver Whitecaps)

Match: Vancouver Whitecaps 1–1 Houston Dynamo
Minutes Played: 29
Key Highlight: Had a rocket finish called back for an earlier offside — nearly the dream debut.
Impact: Showed leadership by tracking back, winning balls, and orchestrating Vancouver’s tempo. His presence pushed teammates to play quicker on both ends of the pitch.
Verdict: No official goal yet, but Müller’s influence was clear. Fans will be watching if his first MLS strike comes next week.

🔥 Son Watch (LAFC)

Latest Match: first start vs New England Revolution ( LAFC wins 2-0)
Minutes Played: 119 minutes
Key Highlight: Sparked higher press and quicker ball circulation.
Impact: Lifted LAFC’s urgency the moment he came on( on his debut) , even while adjusting to a central role.
Verdict: Still awaiting his first MLS goal, but the Son Effect is undeniable in LAFC’s attacking tempo.

NEWS & NOTES

Thomas Müller: Nearly scored on debut, but his strike was ruled offside. Played a full 90 minutes in the Whitecaps’ 1–1 draw with Houston Dynamo.
Son Heung-min: Brought instant spark off the bench, though still finding his best role in LAFC’s system.
Rodrigo De Paul: 1 goal, 2 assists in Leagues Cup, but still adjusting to regular-season pace.
Parity Proof: No MLS team has won more than 80% of games this season — a stark contrast to Europe’s dominant clubs.
Tactical Growth: MLS sides averaging more progressive passes and recoveries than in past seasons, per FBref.