AL RAYAN, Qatar – More than 20 million people in the United States watched the USA-England match during the group stage of the World Cup, and a certain percentage of them – who know who Gio Reyna is – were left wondering why The ultra-talented 20-year-old only saw out the final seven minutes of a scoreless draw.
Reyna is not only one of the most talented young players in the Americans’ 26-man world Cup roster, but in global football. He made his UEFA Champions League debut at the age of 17 for German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund.
He is the son of former men’s national team captain Claudio Reyna and USWNT players Danielle Egan.
And his playing time – or lack thereof – in the first round was a unique story for fans and the media. Reyna made just one appearance through the Americans’ first three games.
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Asked by FOX Sports why Reyna was barely used the day before they meet the Netherlands in the Round of 16 on Saturday (10 a.m. ET; FOX and FOX Sports app), U.S. coach Greg Berhalter tried to explain.
Gio Reyna of the United States during a training session at Al-Gharafa SC Stadium on December 1, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
(John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
“A lot of it depends on the timing and the situation,” Berhalter said. “If you look at how the game unfolded, we had the lead and had to hold on to the lead later in the games. The only game in which we didn’t have that scenario, we actually helped win it”
That answer may or may not satisfy a certain segment of the fan base who don’t want to understand why Reyna isn’t starting. Although the winger/central midfielder missed most of World Cup qualifying due to a recurring hamstring injury, both he and Berhalter have said he is healthy and available.
Last week, Berhalter said Reyna’s lack of action was a “coach’s decision” and dismissed any suggestion Reyna’s hamstring issues were the cause.
Berhalter has been an honest broker with the media during his four years in charge of American Men, but he himself has said that some things are not for public consumption. This has fueled speculation that there is more to the story.
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Is there a rift between the coach and the player? There were whispers last week that Reyna had violated the curfew. A US Soccer source told Fox Sports that did not happen. The fact that Reyna showed up against England supports this.
Conspiracy theories are everywhere, and football is not immune – especially at the World Cup. But, as elsewhere, the notion of deceit quickly falls under scrutiny.
Reyna mainly plays for both Dortmund and the national team. This is the deepest position ever played on the national team.
are the starting wingers for the US christian police, Tim Weah, the team’s biggest star and most irreplaceable attacker, and the only American other than Pulisic to score a goal this World Cup.
Giovanni Reyna of the United States talks with teammate Antoine Robinson during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match against England at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.
(Simon Stackpole / Offside / Offside via Getty Images)
Weah is also the only traditional winger on the roster, an old-school burner whose speed along the sideline forces opposing defenders out of position. Barring injury, both will be in the lineup for every match.
Brendan Aaronson Also ahead of Reyna on Berhalter’s depth chart. Aaronson was the first sub off the bench for Berhalter in all three group stage games. One of the fittest players on the team, Aronson provides relentless pressure and defensive work that Reyna cannot.
Which brings us to our next point: Reyna may be healthy, but that doesn’t make him 90-minute fit. In fact, the last time Reyna started a game for club or country was 15 months ago in September 2021.
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This also makes Reyna even less suitable for a midfield role, where US captain Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Younus Moussa have been among Qatar’s best midfielders. There is also no room for Reena.
Of course Reena wants to play more. But any idea that Berhalter doesn’t like him as a player is not supported by the facts. Coach talks about Reyna’s potential in private, about its almost limitless range. After all, he has known her all his life.
Berhalter and Claudio Reyna were high school teammates. Claudio, who went on to act for the University of Virginia, met Danielle while visiting Berhalter. University of North Carolina, where both used to play football. Berhalter’s eldest son, Sebastian, is very close to Gio.
Geo Reyna of the United States turns with the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match against England at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.
(John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
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The Berhalters and Reynas are more family than friends. Surely Berhalter would like nothing more than to get to play little Reyna every minute. The boring reality is that it doesn’t go any further than that.
Berhalter’s job is to win. He should do what is best for the team. And he knows better than anyone what he has in the form of Reyna, who may yet be a difference-maker off the bench against the Dutch.
“It’s just about how we can use her most effectively,” Berhalter said of Reyna. “We are looking for the right moment, but he can undoubtedly help this team.”