Dynamo coach Wilmer Cabrera reacts to new signing

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Tomás Martínez has the pedigree and experience of a player who could make a giant difference for an MLS playoff hopeful, but Dynamo coach Wilmer Cabrera does not want to hear that.

The Dynamo on Monday announced the acquisition Martínez on a full transfer from Portuguese first division club S.C. Braga. He is classified as a Young Designated Player.

As a teenager, Martínez was courted by European powers Arsenal and FC Barcelona. He wore the No. 10 jersey for Argentina’s top youth national team. He played in Europe.

The Dynamo are ecstatic about all of that, but when they pursued Martínez they did not do so because they needed to be rescued. They feel good about being in third place as the second half of the season begins in earnest.

Cabrera said the most important thing is that Martínez becomes part of the family.

“He’s not coming to save us,” Cabrera said Monday night. “I don’t want him to be the savior of the Houston Dynamo. I want him to be another player who is comfortable. We’re going to support him, and we’re going to give him the time to adapt to this league, which is very complicated and very tough.

“He’s going to have his time and his moment to get on the field and try to help us.”

Houston Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera on the sidelines during the first half of the season opening MLS soccer game at BBVA Compass stadium, Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera on the sidelines during the first half of the season opening MLS soccer game at BBVA Compass stadium, Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston ... more Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Dynamo coach Wilmer Cabrera reacts to new signing 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The Dynamo play two road games this week, beginning Wednesday in Minnesota. Martínez is not even in Houston to travel with the team. The earliest he could wear the Dynamo uniform is the home game against the Portland Timbers on July 29.

It does not matter that the Dynamo will be without Erick Torres, Alberth Elis, Romell Quioto and Boniek Garcia this week due to the Gold Cup. Writing Martínez’s name into the starting XI immediately would go against what Cabrera has preached since he was hired.

He expects players to earn their opportunity during a competitive training atmosphere. If Martínez stands out with only teammates and coaches watching, only then will he be given a chance to play when the bright lights are shining at BBVA Compass Stadium.

“We’re looking for him to adapt,” Cabrera said. “How long it is going to take, we don’t know. Nobody knows. That depends on his condition physically, mentally and him adapting to the team, the United States, the city.

“We have to get to know him, and he has to adjust to the team. When he adjusts to the team it is going to give us a sign of where he‘s going to be and how we can use him the best way possible.”