Giovanni Reyna's Journey Back to the U.S. National Team

Giovanni Reyna, a 23-year-old attacker for Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga, has been named to the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) roster for upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. Despite limited playing time at his club, where he has logged only 26 minutes over two appearances since January, Reyna expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the national team again. He stated, "I think it's always easier when you're playing week-in and week-out. My case is not like that," highlighting the challenges he faces due to his recent lack of game time.

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Reyna's inclusion in the national squad comes after a challenging period marked by injuries and inconsistent form. He was part of the USMNT during the 2022 World Cup but faced scrutiny for his behavior during the tournament, which nearly led to his dismissal from the team by then-manager Gregg Berhalter. This incident sparked a feud between the Reyna and Berhalter families, who had previously been close friends. However, Reyna has since moved on and has demonstrated resilience, being named the MVP of the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League.

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Reyna expressed his appreciation for the trust shown by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, stating, "I feel fortunate and of course, always honored and happy to be back in with the coach's trust." He emphasized his preparedness to make an impact in the upcoming matches, regardless of his club situation. Reyna also reflected on the growth of the team since the last World Cup, noting, "I think we've taken a lot of things from the last World Cup... and really felt like we had to grow up."

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While Reyna's inclusion has been met with support from some quarters, it has also raised questions due to his lack of recent playing time. Critics may argue that players with more consistent performances at the club level should be prioritized for national selection, potentially undermining Reyna's position on the roster.

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The U.S. begins Group D play in the upcoming World Cup on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Reyna's performance in the friendlies will be closely monitored as he aims to secure a spot on the final World Cup roster.

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• "I can't appreciate it enough. Love this team, love this staff, love this group of people, so just always honored to be here." — Giovanni Reyna, USMNT Attacker

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• "If the chance comes up in the next two games, I have confidence in myself and the team that I can do some good things and make good impact." — Giovanni Reyna, USMNT Attacker

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• "I think we've taken a lot of things from the last World Cup... and really felt like we had to grow up." — Giovanni Reyna, USMNT Attacker

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