Gio Reyna's USMNT Return Amid Club Challenges
Gio Reyna has rejoined the United States men's national team despite experiencing severely limited playing time at his club, Borussia Mönchengladbach. The midfielder expressed both surprise and appreciation for his selection by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, acknowledging the decision as potentially controversial given his club situation.
Club Struggles and National Team Opportunity
Reyna's club career has been marked by inconsistency and frustration. During the current season with Borussia Mönchengladbach, he has made only thirteen appearances, with just two since January, accumulating a mere twenty-six minutes of playing time across those matches. This follows an unsuccessful loan spell to Nottingham Forest in 2024, which was intended to provide more regular minutes but ultimately failed to deliver. Previously, his parent club Borussia Dortmund used him sporadically upon his return.
The primary concern surrounding Reyna has been his fitness, with recurring groin and thigh issues frequently keeping him off the field. Additionally, questions about his attitude persist, stemming from incidents during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where perceived lack of effort in training led to reduced playing time and created significant off-field drama for the US team.
Pochettino's Faith and Reyna's Response
Despite these challenges, Mauricio Pochettino has shown unwavering confidence in Reyna's abilities. The coach has emphasized the importance of regular club minutes for his players but has made a clear exception for the talented midfielder. Pochettino stated, "We really know he's a very talented and very special player. To give the possibility, even if he's not playing too much in his club, it can be very useful for us."
Reyna reciprocated this positive sentiment, highlighting his strong relationship with Pochettino. "Me and Mauricio have a great relationship and we speak often," Reyna said. "He keeps the vibes and energy in this group and this camp amazing. It's always an honor to come back, understanding the club situation ... At the same time, I feel prepared regardless of the playing time situation at the club."
Proving His Worth on the International Stage
Reyna's recent performances for the USMNT have justified Pochettino's faith. During November friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay, Reyna excelled, scoring a goal off the bench against Paraguay and providing an assist as a starter against Uruguay. These contributions have solidified his position as a valuable asset for the national team.
Looking ahead to the upcoming World Cup, Reyna's spot on the twenty-six-man roster appears almost certain, given Pochettino's repeated endorsements. However, his exact role and playing time remain uncertain. He faces competition from players like Bayer Leverkusen's Malik Tillman, who has surpassed him in the pecking order, and Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna, another favorite of Pochettino's who was omitted from the current window due to injury.
Reyna's Optimistic Outlook
Despite the competitive landscape, Reyna remains optimistic and focused. "I get a pretty good and confident feeling from the people here and the staff," he noted. "They want me to be myself, enjoy my game and my playing. It's simple. There's guidelines that [Mauricio] wants me to stay in, within reason, but he gives a lot of freedom to the attacking players, and I think we really appreciate this, because most attackers enjoy freedom."
As the USMNT prepares for friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta, Reyna's determination to repay Pochettino's trust and secure a significant role in the World Cup campaign is palpable. His journey underscores the complex balance between club form and international opportunity, with talent and potential often outweighing current circumstances in the eyes of selectors.
