Hector Herrera eager to take on Pachuca in Leagues Cup | OneFootball

Hector Herrera looks forward to taking on his childhood club Pachuca as Houston Dynamo host the Liga MX team in the Leagues Cup round of 32 match on August 3 at PNC Stadium.

The Mexican figure formed part of Pachuca’s academy, working his way through the youth system before making his professional debut in 2010 and recording two goals in 55 appearances over two seasons. Herrera eventually made the jump to Porto in 2013, but maintains the time with Pachuca shaped him to be “the player he is today.”

“I am very happy to be facing Liga MX clubs in Leagues Cup. But most excited to take on Pachuca, the club that saw me born as a player, formed me and gave me an opportunity. Because of Pachuca, I am who I am today,” he said exclusively to 90min.

“Beyond just shaping me as a player, Pachuca’s academy formed us as humans. They teach you respect and humility, values that are fundamental to who I am. Thanks to them, I am able to be myself today.”

The team’s unique program provides housing, education and training facilities to players within the youth ranks in order to shape individuals beyond football.

And Herrera isn’t the only one impacted by Pachuca’s comprehensive program. The midfielder formed part of a successful generation of Pachuca academy players, growing up alongside Mexican national team staples Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano and Erick Gutierrez.

“There’s even kids who went on to play in different clubs professionally but were shaped by Pachuca’s academy: Edson Alvarez, Cesar Montes. I can go on to name so many, but you talk to these players and can tell they went through that training at the academy,” he added.

But still, despite being eternally grateful for their impact Herrara looks forward to beating them at home with the Houston Dynamo.

“Yes, very excited to face them but also win. Even if the president later kills me, it’s fine. I’ll call to apologize after but the game is something that excites me a lot in this tournament to be able to finally have the chance to face Pachuca.”