Houston Dynamo 2024 player report cards: Amine Bassi
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
We’re continuing our 2024 report card series, recapping each Dynamo and Dash player’s season. Today we focus on Amine Bassi.
2024 Grade: B+
2024 by the numbers (MLS play)
Appearances: 31
Minutes played: 2533
Goals: 3
Assists: 6
G+ per 96: 0.01
2024 in review
(image via FBref.com and FBcharts.com)
Amine Bassi statistically, had a good 2024 season. When you compare his production to other attacking midfielders/wingers this season, his attacking, playmaking, and possession are well above average. Yet, as the adage goes, “there’s lies, damn lies, and statistics.” With Bassi’s role in Ben Olsen’s system, his possession statistics would naturally be incredibly high and amongst the top of the league. Yet, I can’t help but feel let down by his overall performance from last year to this year.
There were moment’s Bassi seemed out of sync with his teammates. Moments where Bassi seemed to miss the opportunity to break a line with a well-timed through ball to a streaking winger. Moments where he seemed to hesitate half a second too long before deciding to pass or shoot. Yet, to compare him to 2023 is not fair, nor is it the purpose of this article.
While I may have been a huge proponent of starting Sebastian Kowalczyk over Bassi at the 10, Bassi played well given his role in relation to the support in the attack. A playmaking 10 is only as good as the wingers and striker he has in support. We saw a drastic shift in Bassi’s performance when he did have attacking threats. While he may have been indecisive at times, Bassi played well in his role with all things considered. Yet, I cannot help but feel let down. This is why I give Bassi a B+.
Moment of the season
Bassi scored the opener in the 4-1 dismantling of Real Salt Lake in September. He also had a team-high six shot-creating actions and twelve progressive passes in the match. This was Amine Bassi at his best.
Looking forward
Bassi is under contract for next season. I think he is a solid option at the 10 who will truly shine next season as the roster around him continues to improve. With improvement on the wings, a full season with a 9 that fits the team’s needs, and more consistency with players in their more natural roles, I see Bassi’s stock significantly rising. We will have to wait and see what the off-season window brings. With that said, I would hope to see Bassi continue to start as the team adds quality and depth to those in front.