Houston Dynamo 2024 player report cards: Artur
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
We’re continuing our 2024 report card series, recapping each Dynamo and Dash player’s season. We continue today with Artur. The midfielder is the rock and unsung hero of what the Dynamo do.
2024 Grade: A
2024 by the numbers (MLS play)
Appearances: 34
Minutes played: 3038
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
G+ per 96: -0.01
2024 in review
(via FBref.com and FBcharts.com)
Artur is the rock that steadies the Dynamo. His ability to be a defensive shield in front of the back four was vital to allowing the other midfielders to operate higher up the field and create offensively.
The Brazilian was one of only two Dynamo players to play in all 34 matches during the regular season (along with Aliyu) and was the only player to start every match. Artur had one assist and attempted nearly 75 passes per 90 minutes, completing close to 90% of them.
Ben Olsen’s possession-heavy system is run by Artur. Compared to midfielders around the world, outside of the top five leagues, he attempts passes in the 96th percentile, completes passes in the 92nd percentile, and is even in the 88th percentile in progressive passes. Artur averaged over 80 touches a game and sometimes had over 100 in matches where the Dynamo held the ball for the majority of the match. His defensive numbers were not as high this year but with Erik Sviatchenko and Micael behind him, Artur can take more chances to win balls and challenge attackers before they reach the Houston back line.
Moment of the season
Artur’s assist this season came on one of his most brilliant moves of the year. He gathered the ball near the top of the box and then slalomed into the box to get himself free. Once he found the space, Artur chipped the ball into Sebas Ferreira who was able to score and tie the game late against the San Jose Earthquakes on March 30. The Dynamo would then get a winner in that match from Franco Escobar a few minutes later.
Looking forward
With the news of Hector Herrera’s departure, Artur will be leaned on even more as a leader in the midfield, and perhaps be the player who takes over the captain’s armband. The maekup of the midfield will be different next season. Coco Carrasquilla could be moved back to the 8 position, like he was when Herrera was out for matches this season, and play alongside Artur. The Dynamo could also bring in another central midfielder to play in Herrera’s role and keep Carrasquilla in his hybrid wing spot. Whatever the midfield looks like, one thing is sure, Artur will be at the center of it, literally.
