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Reyna is in need of playing time. This lack of opportunity has greatly impacted the trajectory of his career. Injuries and a dispute between his family and coach during the 2022 World Cup disrupted his progress as one of the most promising young players from the United States. While he has not been a favored player at Borussia Dortmund this season, a loan to the Premier League could provide him with a fresh perspective and reignite his potential.
Reyna has been presented with a chance by Nottingham Forest to revive his career and he should seize it. Although he is only on loan at the City Ground until the end of the season, the upcoming months could have a significant impact on Reyna’s future. This is a valuable opportunity to make up for lost progress.
Reyna has not had a complete season since 2020-21 due to injuries, missing almost two full seasons. However, he has been mostly healthy and ready to play since last summer. Despite this, he has only started one match in the Bundesliga during this time. While Dortmund’s head coach Edin Terzic was careful not to push Reyna too quickly after his injury, he has now been overlooked and there is no clear plan for his growth and development within the team.
Not long ago, Reyna was considered to be Borussia Dortmund’s upcoming prodigy. He entered the Bundesliga at 17 years and 66 days, surpassing Christian Pulisic’s achievement as the youngest American to play in the top German league. Reyna was a crucial player for the team even before reaching his twenties, and it was expected that he would follow in the footsteps of others and use the club as a launching pad for his career.
The decision of Dortmund to give Reyna the No 7 jersey, following Sancho’s move to Manchester United for £73m, was intentional and carried symbolic meaning. However, at some point, the German club lost confidence in him. Despite numerous chances, Terzic has decided not to reintroduce Reyna this season. Ultimately, he had to leave.
Participating in Forest, even temporarily, carries a level of risk. In recent times, the lower ranks of the Premier League have not been favorable to American players (such as Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie during the previous season), but there is potential for great success in this particular decision.
If Reyna is able to thrive in the toughest league in Europe, he will likely excel in any other league. His reputation will be redeemed.
The situation at Nottingham Forest will be difficult. The team has recently been accused of breaking the Premier League Sustainability and Profit rules (PSR) and may face a deduction of points. If the penalty is similar to the 10 points given to Everton for similar offenses, Forest could be at risk of relegation. Additionally, the club’s recent history of instability may make it challenging for new signings, such as Reyna, to adapt quickly. Nuno Espírito Santo, who took over as manager in December, is still settling into his role after replacing Steve Cooper. Therefore, Reyna may struggle to perform well in such a turbulent environment.
In terms of soccer, Reyna will face challenges as well. Despite being ranked 16th in the Premier League table, Nottingham Forest’s offense is stronger than it appears. Wingers Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi are performing well. According to Understat, Elanaga is second in the league in xGChain, which measures a player’s creative influence, since Nuno took over for Cooper. Hudson-Odoi ranks 19th, which is impressive considering their team’s position near the bottom of the Expected Goals table for the season.
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Most importantly: Morgan Gibbs-White currently serves as Forest’s creative hub. And he plays in Reyna’s preferred position – No 10 – sitting behind a lone striker. Dortmund dabbled with pushing Reyna into wider positions to give him some minutes this season, but he still operates at his best in a free role in the middle of the pitch. Given the competition, the newbie will have to force his way into the lineup. If that’s playing further out wide, it could compromise his role with the USMNT.
Reyna will need to adjust his playing style to fit in with the team’s tactics under Nuno. Forest tends to use a more counterattacking approach, which may be different from what Reyna is used to at Dortmund. This season, only Sheffield United, Luton, and Everton have had a lower possession percentage per match than Forest. However, if Reyna truly possesses the talent that is often attributed to him, he should be able to find a way to fit in with the team and make a difference.
Reyna’s success will largely hinge on his physical condition. If he can maintain consistency in playing, his talent will undoubtedly be evident. His exceptional performance for the USMNT after the World Cup was a testament to his potential. When he is at the top of his game, Reyna is a formidable force in the attack.
Certain fans of the US Men’s National Team may feel let down by Reyna’s placement on a lower tier of the Premier League. Not too long ago, teams like Liverpool and Manchester City (where Gio’s father Claudio Reyna used to play) were considered possible options. Just this month, top-four contender Aston Villa was rumored to be interested. However, Forest is not on the same caliber.
However, this reflects the current situation that Reyna is facing. While he may be the most naturally gifted player to come out of the US, talent can only take one so far at the highest level. Despite his potential, he is currently playing for Forest instead of top teams like Liverpool or Manchester City due to concerns surrounding him. Will he be able to stay healthy? What is his strongest position? Is he lacking discipline? The top teams cannot afford to wait much longer for Reyna to address these questions.
Source: theguardian.com
