According to the recent Opta Power Rankings, Major League Soccer (MLS) is now included among the top 10 leagues worldwide, highlighting the unprecedented rise in American soccer's standing. MLS has outperformed the Dutch Eredivisie in rankings, establishing itself as a bona fide global league. This progress is further enhanced by the presence of renowned stars like Son Heung-min.
From a tactical perspective, MLS is distinguished by its fast tempo and strategic organization, with recent tournament successes contributing to the league's overall competitiveness. Notably, the way forwards adapt and respect each other's playing styles to regulate tempo stands out. This demonstrates an increase in tactical understanding over simply physical abilities, when compared to the Korean and Japanese leagues.
With the Japanese J.League ranked 19th and the Korean K.League at 38th, MLS's upward trajectory is certainly noteworthy. There was a time when MLS was considered inferior to Asian leagues, but its stature has clearly transformed. Son Heung-min’s remarks not to "underestimate America" transcend beyond national league development and help raise football's mixed martial arts profile.
Upon recent form analysis, MLS benefits from having many promising young players, creating opportunities for varied tactical experiments that positively impact team strategies. In this regard, MLS’s development could serve as a model for the growth of Korean leagues and is expected to bolster competitive strength on the global stage.
In conclusion, the rise in MLS’s stature extends beyond numerical changes, influencing soccer culture and style. The key challenge lies in maintaining this momentum across upcoming seasons, with Son Heung-min's presence believed to be central to this continued evolution.
@SonHeungMin @MLS @Eredivisie @JLeague @KLeague