Houston Dynamo 2024 MLS season preview: Tactics, predicted XI, predictions | OneFootball

Houston Dynamo returned to MLS relevancy in 2023 thanks in part to the brilliance of Hector Herrera and the guidance of first-year head coach Ben Olsen.

It would've been reasonable to expect a rebuilding season in Olsen's first year in charge. But he wasn't really having any of that, as he hit the ground running at Shell Energy Stadium to guide Houston to a fourth place finish in the Western Conference table and a return to MLS Cup playoffs for the first time since 2017.

But Houston didn't stop there. Olsen instilled new confidence into the team, helping create a new identity that saw them reach the Western Conference final and lift the US Open Cup title over Inter Miami. In 2024, Olsen and the Dynamo won't be looking to take any steps back as they aim to become playoff regulars out West.

Here's everything you need know about Houston ahead of the 2024 campaign.

How did Houston Dynamo perform in 2023?

Houston Dynamo transfer activity

Jan Gregus is Houston's only signing thus far / Jeremy Olson/ISI Photos/GettyImages

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Ben Olsen: Tactics and style of play

There's no other way to put it: Ben Olsen worked his magic in 2023 with the Dynamo. That's not to say that Houston don't have a talented squad, but when compared to other MLS rosters, Olsen essentially did more with less.

Yes, there's the likes of Herrera, Corey Baird (who departed as a free agent for FC Cincinnati) and Coco Carrasquilla, but the Dynamo just don't have the star-studded squad when compared to the likes of LAFC, Atlanta United or Miami. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing -- they were one game away from MLS Cup -- as it shows that Olsen is truly a top-quality coach that has managed to get everyone on the same page.

Olsen leaned heavily on the 4-2-3-1 system in his first season as Houston boss, allowing Herrera to pull the strings as a deeper-lying midfielder. Amine Bassi created chances up front for the likes of Baird, who's set to be replaced by Carlos Ferreira as he's returned from a loan spell at Vasco da Gama.

Olsen's side might not be exactly what you think of when you hear "possession-based team." But their 53% possession during the regular season speaks for itself. When defending, Olsen's team knows how to sit in and pick when to pressure and force turnovers in dangerous positions. His tactics proved to be effective and pick up results, as they conceded just 38 goals -- the third-least in the league -- to climb up the Western Conference table near the end of the regular season.

Houston Dynamo predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Clark; Dorsey, Sviatchenko, Micael, Escobar; Artur, Herrera; Carrasquilla, Bassi, Aliyu; Ferreira.

Who is Houston Dynamo's best player?

Hector Herrera

Hector Herrera was unstoppable in 2023 / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Bassi enjoyed a solid campaign last season, but there's no doubt that Herrera was the team's best player in 2023.

Even though Herrera was deployed as a defensive midfielder alongside Artur, he still managed to get up the pitch in attacking moments quite often. The 33-year-old -- who joined Houston as a free agent in July 2022 after spending three seasons with Atletico Madrid -- notched a remarkable 17 assists while scoring four goals in 30 appearances (29 starts).

Herrera's impressive number of assists was only second in MLS behind Atlanta star Thiago Almada, who tallied 19 as an attacking midfielder in a more advanced role. The El Tri legend and FC Porto icon made headlines in his first full season in the league, and Olsen knows how much quality he brings to the table on both ends of the pitch.

Houston Dynamo 2024 season prediction

Houston fans must've felt like they were dreaming during most of the 2023 season, as Olsen not only brought them back to the promised land but also delivered silverware as well. Houston's inactivity in the winter transfer window sees them lacking in a couple of departments, specifically up front.

The midfield and defense is likely done and dusted, but the Dynamo front office could be working behind the scenes to bring in another forward or two before their opening game of the 2024 season against St Louis CITY in the revamped Concacaf Champions Cup on February 20.

The attacking unit currently contains Daniel Rios, Nelson Quinones, Ibrahim Aliyu, Ifunanyachi Achara and the previously mentioned Ferreira. Carrasquilla is also capable of playing out wide on the right, but Olsen needs another dynamic winger who play out wide if they are to build off last season's success.

However, should Houston add at least another attacker in the current transfer window, they should just about be a lock to finish in the top six of the Western Conference. As of right now, the Dynamo should still be able to punch their ticket to the playoffs, at minimum, as they've kept most of their squad intact.