MLS: "We've got a star on our hands." Osaze Urhoghide earns massive praise in early days with FC Dallas

FC Dallas (@FCDallas)/X

FC Dallas turned plenty of heads on Sunday after the Texas club took down the final undefeated teams in Major League Soccer, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, in a thrilling 4-3 victory at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dallas central defender Osaze Urhoghide was among the scorers against a Messi-less Miami.

Urhoghide's goal in the 65th minute sparked a comeback for the ages from Dallas, who were down 1-3 to the hosts an hour into the match. Dallas forwards Anderson Julio and Pedrinho went on to score and complete the turnaround.

Dallas have gotten off to a decent start with fifteen points from their first ten matches but the acquisition of Urhoghide has earned league-wide praise. Transferred in from French club Amiens for a club-record €3 million ahead of the 2025 season, Urhoghide has been flawless since joining MLS.

FC Dallas coach Eric Quill made his admiration for the 24-year-old well known after a 1-1 draw at Atlanta United on April 5:

"It is his talent and his competitive nature and what he does back there...His athleticism, ability, anticipation in space, ability to move with pacey wingers and nines is high level. His physical numbers are off the chart. He's got the numbers of a winger and interior midfielder. His intensity is incredible."

"I love watching him grow. As he gets to know this league, he's only gonna get better and better, which is even more scary to think about. His teammates are feeding off of him, the guys are loving him."

"We've got a star on our hands," Quill said a week later before Dallas' match against Seattle Sounders.

The Dutch-born defender moved to England at the age of five and developed with AFC Wimbledon before making his professional debut with Sheffield Wednesday. Signing with Celtic FC in 2021, Urhoghide played on loan with Belgian club Oostende before finding success at Amiens in France's Ligue 2.

Eligible to represent both the Netherlands and England, Urhoghide went public with his desire to play for the Nigeria national team and nation of his parents:

“I am ready to play for my fatherland, Nigeria. I have informed family members of my readiness to play for the Eagles. I am also using this opportunity to let the Nigeria Football Federation know that I am ready,” he said.

The defender's high level of play continues to be recognized and his performance against Inter Miami is the latest evidence that Dallas have discovered a star on the verge of big things. Urhoghide and his team will be in action next on Saturday when Dallas travel to San Diego FC.