The Funny Thing About Gio Reyna and the Need for a Fresh Start
Gio Reyna has become one of the most talked-about young talents in American soccer. The anticipation surrounding his appearances with the US Men’s National Team, coupled with the belief that he is the country’s most talented player, has generated a lot of noise. However, the funny thing about all the hype surrounding Reyna is that it is built on such a small foundation. Despite his potential, Reyna’s impact on the field remains largely theoretical due to his limited playing time.
Reports have recently surfaced indicating that Reyna is looking to leave Borussia Dortmund during the January transfer window. And it’s not without good cause. This season, Reyna has only started one match in the Bundesliga, with the majority of his appearances coming off the bench. He has played a mere 238 minutes in the league, along with one start in the German Cup. Despite being injury-free and available for selection, Reyna simply isn’t being utilized by his club.
This lack of regular playing time has been a recurring theme for Reyna over the past three seasons. Whether it’s due to injuries or managerial decisions, he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter for Dortmund. While injuries may have played a role in his limited opportunities, Reyna’s best position is also a factor. He excels as a number 10, but few teams employ that role nowadays, especially in Germany.
The same story applies to his national team appearances. Reyna doesn’t fit neatly into a specific position. He’s not a wide attacker, a winger, or a midfielder. His ideal role would be as a number 10, with the team’s attack revolving around him. However, most teams, including Dortmund and the USMNT, don’t play with a number 10, forcing Reyna to adapt to different positions on the field. While he can perform well in these roles, his skill set is limited in terms of passing and chance creation. Additionally, his defensive contributions are minimal, making managers hesitant to deploy him in the middle, especially in the frantic pace of German football.
It is crucial for Reyna to find a new club this month where he will receive regular playing time, regardless of the position. The Copa America looms on the horizon, and the spots he would potentially fill on the national team are occupied by players who are performing consistently for top European clubs. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah have all been regular starters for their respective teams this season. If Tyler Adams can regain his form at Bournemouth, he will also be a strong contender for a starting role. Reyna could find himself relegated to a super sub role and watching his father, Claudio, from the stands once again.
So, where could Reyna go? Clubs in Spain, France, and Portugal have been mentioned, although no concrete links have been established. La Liga seems like a logical choice, as the slower pace and tactical flexibility of Spanish teams could suit Reyna’s style of play. However, the clubs linked with him, such as Sevilla, Villarreal, and Real Sociedad, are currently facing their own challenges. Real Sociedad, while performing well, already boasts a wealth of attacking talent.
Marseille and Lyon in Ligue 1 have also been mentioned, but both clubs are enduring difficult seasons. In the Premier League, Wolves and Nottingham Forest have shown interest, but relegation battles may take priority over signing vibrant attacking players. Benfica, known for rehabilitating players and playing an attacking style, could be a viable option for Reyna. While Portugal may be a slight step down from Germany, Reyna’s priority should be finding a club where he can regain regular playing time.
Despite being only 21 years old, Reyna must make the most of this opportunity for a fresh start. There have been cases of promising Dortmund products, such as Ousmane Dembele and Jadon Sancho, who failed to fulfill their potential after leaving the club. Reyna needs to prove that his last name isn’t the only reason for his recognition and secure a move that will allow him to develop and thrive. A misstep now could prolong his journey out of the shadows and hinder his progress as a player.
Overall, it’s clear that Gio Reyna needs a change of scenery to fulfill his potential. Whether it’s in Spain, France, Portugal, or elsewhere, he must find a club where he will be given the opportunity to showcase his skills and establish himself as a regular starter. Only then can we truly gauge his impact on the field and determine if he is indeed the country’s most talented player.
