Hector Herrera cleared for July 9 debut with the Houston Dynamo

The Hector Herrera hype is full on in Houston, Texas. Late last week, the Houston Dynamo FC announced that Herrera had been cleared to debut one month from the date of the announcement. The potential debut date brings even bigger pressure because it would come against in-state rival FC Dallas. Herrera is no stranger to winning or the pressure that comes with it.

While leading Atletico Madrid to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals in 2022, the Mexican international signed an agreement to come at the end of the La Liga season and his contract with Atletico Madrid. He helped his side to a La Liga championship in 2021. Prior to that, the midfielder played for FC Porto leading them to a league title in 2017 and the Portuguese Super Cup in 2013 and 2018.

Houston's biggest signing has won everywhere he has stepped on the pitch and the thought is he will do it here. From Mexico to Portugal to Spain to Houston, HH has been been the difference. Herrera finally gives Houston a creative midfielder that they have been lacking for years. He brings creativity, command and control to the pitch for Houston.

Herrera is a player that lifts his teammates to be better. His arrival makes HDFC immediate playoff and MLS Cup contenders? His arrival sends a message to the league that owner Ted Segal and his organization intend to win. This signing comes on the heels of the off season signing of Sebastian Ferreira, at the time the biggest in club history.

General Manager Pat Onstad shared these words with the Houston media. "It's the biggest signing in our club history and I don't think anyone is close. It's a turning point in the franchise. We put a marker down, we believe this is going to transform our organization again and put us back at the top."

Herrera's addition brings Houston the ability to control the middle of the field from the backline to up top. Here is what you have Tim Parker/Teenage Hadebe in the middle of the backline, Matias Vera at defensive/holding mid, then Herrera and finally Ferreira up top. His arrival only makes Memo Rodriguez, Coco Carrasquilla and Fafa Picault even more dangerous.

The signing of Herrera shows what true ownership looks like in a winning organization. It also highlights the failures of Matt Jordan and company. Where would Houston be if Jordan had been able to keep Mauro Manotas and Alberth Elis? Just think of a starting XI that had them with HH and the Forever Orange. By the way way, it is rumored that Manotas is available from La Liga side Club Tijuana where he went when he left Houston in December of 2020.

Believe the Herrera hype, drink the Kool-Aid and come join Houston's run to the 2023 MLS Cup.