The Dynamo’s Dual Threats: How Aliyu and Ennali Shape the Game
(image via Aldo Canale)
It's been over a week since the Houston Dynamo were eliminated from the Leagues Cup tournament. Despite playing every match at home, Houston were knocked out after suffering a crushing defeat against Toluca. The game ended in heartbreak as Toluca equalized in added time and ultimately knocked out the Dynamo in a penalty shootout. Newcomer Lawrence Ennali's penalty kick was saved by Tiago Volpi, sealing the home team's fate. Despite the disappointment, the team’s performance has raised questions about who should occupy a critical role in the lineup: the left wing.
The left wing position remains a strong point for the club, even with Nelson Quinones out for the season. Aliyu Ibrahim currently holds the starting role, but the recently acquired Lawrence Ennali has been getting late-game minutes, suggesting a potential shift in dynamics.
Aliyu joined Houston last season after starting his senior career with Lokomotiva Zagreb in the Croatian First Division. He played 37 games for the Dynamo in 2023, scoring 6 goals and adding 4 assists. His contributions were crucial in ending the club’s seven-year playoff drought and securing their second Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy. Lawrence Ennali, on the other hand, has had a limited role, with just 86 minutes over the last three games since he arrived. Despite the missed penalty, he has made a strong impression with his speed. Coming from Gornik Zabrze in Poland, where he played 29 games and scored 7 goals in 2023, Ennali exhibits flair and explosiveness, qualities that could be attributed to his time alongside Lukas Podolski, who also utilized similar traits during his career. Houston is fortunate to have such talented young players, highlighting the effectiveness of the scouting department in recent years.
Let's compare the playing styles of these two players. Aliyu is known for his pace and power in attack, with a solid defensive contribution. Ennali, although limited in minutes, has shown explosive speed, a knack for taking on defenders, and a tendency to cut inside and take shots. Under Ben Olsen, the Dynamo prioritize possession, with a methodical forward build-up rather than fast transitions. The attacking players are expected to press the opposition to regain control of the ball. Aliyu fits this system well, though Ennali may need time to adapt to the defensive responsibilities required for a starting role. However, their current roles could create a dynamic one-two punch that benefits the team in the long run.
The Dynamo's tactics are clear. Fans should be familiar with the starting lineup barring injuries. Players understand their roles in contributing to the team’s success. Aliyu stretches the field, pushing deep into the final third to either find a teammate in the six-yard box or create scoring opportunities for himself. Ennali, as a late-game substitute, is tasked with leveraging his explosiveness against tired defenders to drive the ball forward. He has shown promise in his limited minutes. The key to their success will be developing a nearly telepathic connection with Ezequiel Ponce, anticipating each other's movements. Building this chemistry requires time and repetition.
Both players have significant potential. Rumors have floated around that other teams are eyeing Aliyu following his success in Houston. If Ennali accumulates more minutes and continues to showcase his attacking prowess, he too could attract attention from other clubs. Ideally, both players could be moved for substantial transfer fees down the road, helping Houston establish itself as a destination for young talent.
Some fans might prefer to see Ennali start over Ibrahim, viewing him as the better option. However, Ben Olsen’s current system demands a lot defensively, and right now, Aliyu is the better fit for that role. Nonetheless, Lawrence could quickly adapt to Ben’s system and the challenging Houston climate, making the decision on who starts more complex for the coaching staff.
