Statistically speaking, Alex already is having the best season of his MLS career. Last weekend, however, a different kind of number helped the Dynamo discover a place where the midfielder might flourish even more.
The No. 10.
In the first six games Alex played in one of two attacking midfield positions within the inverted triangle in the 4-3-3 formation. Against San Jose on Saturday, Alex played at the front of the diamond midfield within the new 4-4-2 formation, serving as the kind of playmaker the team has been lacking for several years.
That gave him more freedom and helped him have one of his best attacking games.