“There’s a Player in There”: What the Houston Dynamo Could Be Getting in Lyle Foster

(image via Getty Images)

The Houston Dynamo have officially announced the signing of Burnley FC forward Lyle Foster on loan through the summer of 2027. Houston will have an option to make the deal permanent.

With Foster now on his way to Houston, Bayou City Soccer spoke with Burnley Express writer Matt Scrafton to get a better understanding of what Dynamo fans could expect from the South African international. Scrafton covers Burnley FC and has covered Foster during his time at Turf Moor. He offered insight into his style of play, his struggles at Burnley and what it may take for the 26-year-old to rediscover his best form.

The picture that emerges is of a talented player who has not consistently found his footing at Burnley, but one who could benefit from the fresh start, regular minutes and new environment that a move to Houston could provide.

A Hard-Working Forward Who Can Lead the Press

At his best, Foster is an out-and-out striker who is willing to do plenty of work without the ball.

"Foster is a hard-working, diligent forward who will happily run the channels and press from the front," Scrafton said.

That description should immediately stand out to Dynamo fans. This is the calling card of a Ben Olsen team and what the Dynamo head coach wants out of his attackers. According to Scrafton, Foster is primarily a player who wants to lead the line, press from the front, hold the ball up and make runs behind the defense.

Foster has also shown some positional versatility during his time at Burnley. "He did spend a bit of time out on the left wing under Scott Parker where he did show something," Scrafton said. However, Foster was unable to turn that promising start into a sustained run of performances. "Again, he never truly got a long run of games and his performances soon dipped after a promising start," Scrafton added.

A Player Who Needs Confidence and Consistency

One of the biggest takeaways from speaking with Scrafton is that Foster appears to be a player whose confidence can have a significant impact on his performances.

"He's very much a confidence player though, so his performance levels can be up and down," Scrafton said.

Foster's time at Burnley has very up-and-down since he arrived at Turf Moor in January 2023. The forward scored 11 goals in 89 league appearances for the club, a return Scrafton acknowledged has fallen below expectations for a striker.

"It's fair to say the last couple of years it's really not worked out for him," Scrafton said. "For a striker too, his goal return at Burnley hasn't been what was expected.”

For Foster, a move to Houston could provide the fresh start he needs. According to Scrafton, the key could be giving Foster something he struggled to consistently find at Burnley: a regular place in the lineup.

"What Foster needs is a guarantee of regular starts, an arm around his shoulder and to be happy and healthy in his environment, both at work and at home," Scrafton said. "If he has all of that, there's a player in there. But it's just a case of unlocking it."

A Fresh Start After a Difficult Stretch

Scrafton also noted that Foster has been open about his mental health struggles during his time at Burnley, which caused him to miss seven weeks in 2023.

"He's been open and honest about his mental health struggles, so while his time at Turf Moor hasn't gone as hoped, hopefully this move can see him playing far more regularly again and get that smile back on his face," Scrafton said.

A move to MLS could give Foster the opportunity to step into a new environment and rebuild both his confidence and form. However, Dynamo fans may need to be patient with their potential new striker.

Foster returned for Burnley's preseason, according to Scrafton, however, the forward did not appear to be in his best condition when he returned.

"He returned late for pre-season, as agreed, following his participation for South Africa at the World Cup, but didn't look in the best condition when he did make his return," Scrafton said. "He'll need to get up to speed quickly.”

As a result, Foster could need time to get himself fully ready, as he has also been dealing with a minor injury and has not played for Burnley yet this season.

Can Foster Make an Impact in MLS?

Despite Foster's struggles to find consistency at Burnley, Scrafton believes there is still reason to believe the 26-year-old can make an impact.

"If he can get himself fit, sharp and match ready, I'm sure he can have an impact in the MLS," Scrafton said. The expectation, however, should not necessarily be for Foster to immediately arrive and start scoring goals.

"I wouldn't expect him to hit the ground running as it might take a bit of time," Scrafton added. For the Dynamo, that could make the move something of a calculated gamble.

Foster arrives with the profile of a player who has shown the ability to work hard, press opposing defenses, hold the ball up and stretch the field with runs behind the back line. He also brings versatility after spending time on the wing at Burnley.

But perhaps more importantly, Houston could be getting a player in need of a fresh start. Foster's success with the Dynamo may ultimately come down to whether the club can provide the things Scrafton believes are necessary to unlock his potential: regular minutes, confidence and a positive environment.

For Dynamo fans, the hope will be that a fresh start in Houston gives Foster the opportunity to rediscover his best form and finally unlock the player that Burnley believed in, and Scrafton believes is still there.