Houston Dynamo bets big on a player Orlando didn’t fight to keep | OneFootball

The Houston Dynamo shook the market with the news of signing 22-year-old right-back Michael Halliday from Orlando City. The transfer made headlines not just because of his age, but also because the Dynamo were searching for a replacement piece that, on paper at least, isn't yet a household name in MLS.

Michael Halliday's career to date shows a player who is still looking to make his mark. With 43 games under his belt for Orlando City, he never quite became an exceptional individual star but did have enough physical and technical skill to get Houston Dynamo interested. Club president Pat Onstad made mention of the qualities of Halliday, recognizing that the young right-back fits the playing style of the team and has a clear plan for development. But how does this translate in practice?

To most of the fans, this signing is not exactly a blockbuster. Unlike signings which instantly elevate the quality of a team, Halliday needs to prove that he can be a good starter in a league growing more physically demanding by the minute. At Houston, he will need to compete with Griffin Dorsey, the incumbent starter, and veteran Daniel Steres, who has also played right-back. Essentially, he's coming in as a rotation guy, perhaps to become more of a bigger role in the future.

The Dynamo's inability to make a stronger, more tried name available at right back can be the mark of a long-term plan of development, one not necessarily based on immediate gratification on the field. The issue is whether the team can be patient enough to wait for that development or whether MLS, as competitive as it has ever been, needs instant-ready reinforcements to arrive and deliver immediately.

Is international experience with youth truly a plus?

One factor that stood out for Halliday during negotiations was his international experience. The right-back represented the United States at the U-20 World Cup and competed in a high-level tournament. This could indicate he was already on the radar and has growth potential that Dynamo hopes to harness. However, it’s important to approach this type of credential with caution. A stint with youth national teams does not necessarily prepare a player for the top of North American soccer.

MLS has seen its share of players who dominated in youth tournaments but could not translate that into the pros. The more physical style of play and higher tactical requirements can be daunting barriers. For Halliday, a transfer from Orlando City to Houston Dynamo might be the move he makes to find an environment where he can develop. Whether or not he can turn potential into performance on the pitch is another story, something only time, and the approaching season, will reveal.