MLS
Héctor Herrera outlines career plans as he nears end of Houston Dynamo contract
The Mexican international is loving life in MLS and is helping to power Ben Olsen’s team into playoff contention.
Héctor Herrera may now be 34 years old but he’s lost none of the competitive spirit that saw him spend a decade in the top European leagues.
The Mexican midfielder has represented his country 105 times and was a Champions League regular at FC Porto and Atlético Madrid. Nevertheless, he’s found a new home in MLS since making the move to Houston Dynamo in 2022.
Herrera joined in early 2022 on a two-year Designated Player deal, with the option of a third year at the club’s discretion. He has become a key part of the Dynamo’s free-flowing, possession-based style of play under head coach Ben Olsen, who knows the value of Herrera’s experience.
“He is a very loving guy, to his teammates, to staff,” Olsen said, as part of the MLS Breakaway feature on Herrera. “He’s at times extremely passionate, like most great players are, and it’s why he’s been able to be in a few World Cups and play at the highest level.”
“It’s been a real joy to work with him since the first time we sat down and had a conversation,” Olsen added.
Will Héctor Herrera stay at Houston Dynamo?
During his time in Houston, Herrera has helped to transform a team that failed to make the playoffs in eight out of nine seasons. In 2023 the Dynamo returned to the post-season and Herrera lifted his first piece of silverware with the team, clinching the US Open Cup with a victory over Inter Miami.
Alongside a dynamic, ball-playing midfield of Artur, Amine Bassi and Coco Carrasquilla, Herrera looks right at home in Houston. But with his contract nearing an end, will he remain at the Dynamo beyond December?
“I would be delighted to be able to finish here with Houston,” Herrera revealed. “I am very happy with the city, with the team, with the people, the way they treat me here, and I think that is the most important thing, no?
“I personally am very happy with the decision I made to come here... It is a very competitive league that seems easier than it is from outside … I like that any team can win. That attracts me a lot. It is very physical with a lot of quality as well.”
Even after a run of impressive performances, Houston Dynamo still have work to be done to secure a playoff place in the Western Conference. They are currently seventh, just one point above Portland Timbers in the Wild Card spot, and will be eager to get qualification wrapped up before the drama of the final day.
Assuming that they can do so, few teams will be looking forward to playing Houston in the post-season. They can be unpredictable but they can beat anyone on their day, as proved by the recent 2-0 road win against LAFC. If the Dynamo are to go deep in the post-season, Héctor Herrera will almost certainly have something to do with it.