What Teenage Hadebe’s return means for the Dynamo
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
Teenage Hadebe has been missing from the Houston Dynamo lineup since the 1-0 victory over Inter Miami all the way back on April 22nd. Teenage has played in two of the last three games for Dynamo 2 to get himself back to full fitness. Ben Olsen stated in Thursday’s press conference that Teenage is looking good in training and there is no reason he will not be back in the match day squad for Saturday’s game against St Louis. While Micael has done an excellent job filling in for Teenage, he just is not the same player and takes away some of the extra dynamics Teenage can add to the team. Let’s break down exactly what has been missing these last five months.
Defensive Ability
Teenage is one of only five defenders to be given a Designated Player contract in the league currently. While some might argue it is a waste of a Designated Player spot, he definitely lives up to his salary when he’s on the field. Teenage is one of the quickest center backs in the league and is able to use his athleticism to cut out passes and shots on a consistent basis. Just last season, he was third in MLS in interceptions per 90. This season he finds himself first in MLS in blocks per 90 by a large margin. It’s important to note that this stat is a bit skewed with him playing far less minutes than most players this season. He can also do the work sitting back a bit more when he was fourth in MLS last season in clearances per 90. Teenage is a key player defensively, but he can be a bit reckless at times, racking up eight yellow cards and two red cards last season. This season so far in Teenage’s nine games started, the team has five shutouts.
Dynamic Play On The Ball
Teenage is already excellent on the defensive side of the ball, but what he can contribute to the team on the ball is one is what separates him from the guys filling in for him. Teenage’s passing game is incredible, completing 88.4% of his passes last season. His passes tend to be of a shorter and medium range and are key to the team’s buildup out of the back. Combine that with Erik Sviatchenko’s ability to play long balls and the team should be very dynamic when trying to beat the press. To go with his great passing ability, his ability to take on defenders is also one of the strongest in MLS. Last season he averaged 0.35 successful take-ons per 90, which was highest in MLS amongst center backs not regularly playing in a back three. He also averaged 0.75 progressive carries which was amongst the best in MLS. Compare that to Micael who usually is booting the ball long and playing very safe with his passes out of the back. Micael’s style does have its perks, however. Teenage trying to push the play a bit more has led to some nervy moments at times, but he mostly gets the ball quickly into the dangerous midfielders. He also adds loads to the team going forward on set pieces. He is a constant threat, nearly leading MLS last season in shots per 90 and expected goals per 90. His expected assists per 90 is also amongst the best and he was able to score two goals last season, one being that crucial late equalizer against FC Dallas in Hector Herrara’s debut.
Teenage may not start the game this weekend but getting him back in the squad will be massive for this team’s playoff push. I’m sure Ben is buzzing to get him involved. Having him fit and ready for the Open Cup final against Miami will be crucial to winning just the second trophy in the past ten years for the Dynamo!
