Who is Jan Gregus?
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The preseason has not been the best start when it comes to the health of important pieces for the Houston Dynamo. Hector Herrera, who had an MVP level season in 2023, will have a delayed start this year due to alarm bells ringing on what seems to be a hindering injury that the veteran has dealt with throughout his career. Herrera and the team decided to take preauction which led Hector to leave for Europe for further assessment and treatment. No timeline has been set but it is likely that the Houston Dynamo’s captain will be out until April, in the best-case scenario. While it will be very difficult at this point to bring in a superstar to replace the production that Herrera provides, Houston has brought in a player that could embrace the empty role in Jan Gregus.
The 34-year-old Slovak has the tools to be a serviceable piece for the Dynamo in this time of distress. Jan has the ability to command the midfield, especially in the number 8 role. His passing range and playmaking out of the center of the field could allow Artur and Coco to only worry about their own assignments. This is of course, in the case that Gregus plugs directly into Hector’s spot in the lineup. Otherwise, he can come in off the bench and help the team retain possession and open the opposition with his vision.
Jan Gregus has played in MLS since the 2019 season. He originally joined Minnesota United with a DP tag, coming from FC Copenhagen in Denmark. Gregus made appearances in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League with the Danish club. Jan also won a league and cup title with The Lions of Copenhagen.
Gregus spent three seasons with the Loons, with his first full season being his most productive. He tallied 11 assists that year. In 2022, Jan became a free agent and was picked up in the MLS Re-Entry Draft by the San Jose Earthquakes, where he only played for one season. Last year, Nashville SC signed Gregus, but after only seeing action in the US Open Cup and Leagues Cup with the Music City team, he returned to Minnesota via trade. He finished 2023, appearing in 12 games and accumulating 905 minutes in his second stint with the Loons.
Jan’s international soccer experience is another aspect that he brings into the Houston Dynamo. Gregus has 36 caps with the Slovakian national team. Gregus helped Slovakia to make appearances in the 2016 and 2020 UEFA European Championships, something that had not been done in 20 years.
Only Ben Olsen and his staff know their plan with the role that they expect or want out of Jan Gregus, but it won’t be long before everyone finds that out.
