Sam Mbonu
When Houston Dynamo FC announced their 2021 season club award winners, Fafa Picault earned three honors in his first season with the team. His scintillating performance in the 2021 regular season bagged him the team player's player, MVP, and the golden boot awards.
Fafa winning the award did not come as a surprise considering his five-star performance during the 2021 MLS regular season. When Fafa Picault signed for the Houston Dynamo from cross-town rivals FC Dallas in exchange for $275,0000 allocation money, it was like Everton signing a player from Liverpool. I was privileged to interview him. I remembered asking him what he brings to his new team. His answers were short, sharp, witty, and full of confidence. He said, “I bring pace, flair to the team on the flanks, even if it means taking on players to create space and chance for my teammates to make plays I will do that”. Ten months down the line, Fafa Picault contributed 4 assists in the just concluded 2021 MLS regular season and he was voted player’s player by his teammates at the Houston Dynamo team award.
Furthermore, his stint with FC Dallas saw him play 18 times for the Frisco-based team and netted only 3 goals. But besides his two seasons with Philadelphia Union where he scored 21 goals in 89 appearances, Fafa Picault had his most productive season in the MLS with Houston Dynamo with 11 goals in 31 matches. The New York native is also the seventh player in team history to score 10 or more goals in a single season and the first to reach that mark since Mauro Manotas in 2019.
Houston Dynamo scored a total of 36 goals during the 2021 regular season and Fafa contributed 11 of those goals, his impact on the team is overwhelming. The versatile winger played a total of 2,449 minutes under erstwhile manager, Tab Ramos, with 20 shots on target 11 were converted to goals and his 26.2% conversion rate made him a lethal weapon against any opposition. Even when Houston Dynamo was on their unsweet 16 winless streaks, Fafa Picault provided a glimmer of hope with his scoring prowess. When the slide was halted against FC Austin in a Texas Derby, Fafa Picault led the onslaught with a brace as he sent the PNC Stadium wild in ecstatic celebration. His explosive play helped the team destroy FC Dallas to win the El Captain.
Equally important to note that Fafa Picault made history as he became the first player to score in the Texas Derby for both FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo when he drew the men in orange level in Frisco Texas from the penalty box in the game that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Without a doubt, Fafa Picault is a bundle of talent. His core strengths are his speed, ball intelligence, and quick feet. When he sprints down the flanks, Fafa is like a gazelle, no wonder he takes it as an alias. Whenever he sprints downfield into the opposition area they tremble. He owns the opposition half with his 56.7% passing accuracy in the 2021 regular season. His 15% success rate in crosses creates panic inside the opponent's 18-yard box. Even when Houston Dynamo was passing through those dark periods during the 2021 regular season, Fafa Picault was the shining light in that dark period.
Inasmuch as his offensive play is very explosive, Fafaf Picault can also defend. He accounted for 37 clearances, 6 blocks, and 26 interceptions in his defensive duties for Houston Dynamo in the 2021 regular season. He won 42.6% ariel duels and a 60% success rate in tackles.
Finally, in this new dispensation, the new Houston Dynamo general manager, Pat Onstad spoke highly of him and will see him return to the team for next season which will afford the fans the chance to see the gazelle in Houston sprint one more time.
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