Reyna Eyes USMNT Role Over Club Minutes As WC Deadline Nears

5 articles | Updated 2d ago | Created 2d ago

Atlanta, USA SOCCER

US National Team coach Mauricio Pochentino has called up Gio Reyna for the final two pre-World Cup friendlies against Belgium and Portugal despite his limited club minutes with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Although only 26 years old in age, this decision marks a significant shift as it is one of Coach's most controversial choices given that Reyna played just six matches last season across all competitions while the USMNT roster includes other players like Alex Freeman who have seen more regular action abroad.

Key Points

1

Gio Reyna has logged only about a quarter of an hour (26 minutes) playing time for his club this season.
2

Despite limited regular team playtime at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Pochettino included him in the USA squad's final pre-World Cup friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.

Developments

[Mar 27] Reports state Reyna played just ~1 hour total this season for his club, while Pochettino emphasized that playing time is crucial but not the sole factor in selection decisions.

[Mar 27] Reyna expressed happiness about being selected for USA friendlies despite his lack of club playing time, noting Pochettino's trust in him.

[Mar 26] Reyna admitted the call-up might have been a controversial or difficult decision by Mauricio Pochettino, yet he is eager to repay that faith.

[Mar 26] Among the USMNT camp's players who have not played regularly for European or MLS clubs, Reyna stands out as a significant exception.

USMNT is going to need Gio Reyna to be ‘very special player’ — both physically and mentally

Nypost Brian Lewis 2d ago

Despite having only logged 26 minutes of playing time this season due to injuries, highly talented USMNT player Gio Reyna was selected for two World Cup friendlies by coach Mauricio Pochettino. While the team has more established players in form and previous head Gregg Berhalter previously limited his opportunities amid a personal controversy with Reyna's parents, current staff view him as an unmatched playmaker who could be exceptional if he performs consistently this summer tournament cycle.

Gio Reyna Happy To Be In USA Mix Despite Lack of Club Playing Time

Api.foxsports.com 2d ago

COUNTRY OVER CLUB: Reyna gets his minutes, kicks and goals with USMNT, not with Borussia Moenchengladbach

Frontrowsoccer Michael Lewis 2d ago

Despite having limited minutes with Borussia Mönchengladbach recently, Gio Reyna is training intensively to impress U.S. national team coach Mauricio Pochettino and secure a spot on their World Cup roster due to his proven ability as an impact player in international matches like the recent victory over Paraguay when he scored nine goals for USMNT since November 2019?

From bench-warming to USMNT camp, Gio Reyna races against time to secure a World Cup roster spot

Sports.yahoo.com Steven Goff 2d ago

Despite having fewer than 750 minutes over two seasons with Mönchengladbach and only one appearance for the U.S. since November last year, Gio Reyna remains a World Cup candidate due to Pochettino's endorsement of his special qualities as well as past performances against Paraguay in Atlanta on Saturday (Belgium) Tuesday Portugal).

Gio Reyna keen to repay Mauricio Pochettino’s faith as World Cup approaches

Theguardian Pablo Iglesias Maurer in Atlanta 2d ago

Gio Reyna admitted that his call-up to the U.S. national team by coach Mauricio Pochettino may have been controversial due to concerns over past fitness issues in Qatar; despite these lingering doubts regarding his attitude, he has recently impressed with a goal and an assist for Paraguay and Uruguay respectively while recovering from recurring groin injuries at Borussia Mönchengladbach.