South Korea talisman Son Heung-min 'feeling great' for World Cup despite MLS drought

The 33 year old captain has netted just twice since leaving Premier League Tottenham for Los Angeles FC in the MLS in August last year.

He has also found it tough with South Korea, who head into the World Cup following a poor sequence of results and will be up against the Czech Republic, South Africa and co hosts Mexico in Group A.

South Korea lost 4 0 to Ivory Coast and 1 0 to Austria in recent friendly matches.

Son tried to lift the spirits as he spoke to journalists at the team's training base in Salt Lake City on Tuesday.

"A lot of people are concerned, but I am only concerned if I am not playing well," he said.

"I do not think that is the case at the moment. Physically, I am feeling great."

South Korea face the Czechs in Guadalajara on June 11, the opening day of the tournament which is being co hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

They reached the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before being eliminated 4 1 by Brazil.

Son, who will be playing at his fourth World Cup, said the players "need to know where our team mates are with our eyes closed".

"Of course we want to get to a higher position this time and do better than the last World Cup," he said.

"But we cannot predict the future. Other teams will be preparing just as hard."

Son has scored 54 goals in 143 appearances for his country and has been their inspiration for more than 15 years.

He has scored three World Cup goals to give him a share of South Korea's record with Park Ji sung and Ahn Jung hwan.

"Obviously, it is impossible not to be hearing about these records. People have been talking about them, and fans have taken great interest in them," Son said.

"But I have just not been thinking too much about them.

"If I put the team above all else and worry about how I can help the team first, then goals will naturally follow."