Despite the controversy and negative attention Gio Reyna has faced over the past few years, it’s crucial to remember that the USMNT attacking midfielder is only 20 years old and at the very beginning of his career.
Gio Reyna’s Challenging Journey
Reyna spent the initial part of the season with Dortmund in the Bundesliga. A few months before Dortmund’s loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday, Reyna moved to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, where the team finished 17th. His teammate at USMNT, Matt Turner, is also at Nottingham Forest and has observed Reyna’s growth and development firsthand.
The USMNT Is Looking For His Potential
While Reyna is still finding his way, Turner faced challenges as Nottingham Forest’s primary goalkeeper. He was benched at one point and played only 20 games. Reyna, loaned from Dortmund seeking more playtime and development opportunities, did not make a significant impact on the field, but Turner has spoken highly of Reyna’s work ethic during practice.
“With Gio, no experience is a bad experience. He came to training every single day with a good attitude. I think you guys saw that. After he came in January, maybe it wasn’t going the best in the beginning for him at Forest, and then he showed up and got player of the tournament at Nations League.
Reyna appeared in only 11 games for Dortmund and nine for Nottingham Forest this season, earning just one assist. However, during the 2022-23 season, he showcased his potential by scoring seven goals and providing two assists across 22 games, highlighting the talent that Dortmund had seen in him. Frustrated by a lack of starting opportunities, he pushed for more playtime, which led to his loan.
“He’s working really hard, he is in the form that we all expect him to be. He brings a quality to training every time he steps out there. And he’s really matured a lot. I’ve watched him grow up a little bit, be on his own, a new experience away from sort of his boyhood club as well. Make connections with new guys and it’s been really fun to see him grow on and off the pitch, and get that Premier League experience as well under his belt.”
For the United States, Reyna plays a crucial role in the attack. Despite his tremendous skill and talent, he sometimes shows volatility and inconsistency. However, the expectations for him remain high, and the USMNT will need him to perform well during the upcoming Copa America, facing a series of challenging matches.