Alexi Lalas: Gio Reyna’s Redemption Arc Awaits with Dortmund Breakout Imperative

• Lalas suggests Reyna can restore reputation
• Says health and productivity are key opinion changers
• Also touched upon Yunus Musah and his future

Addressing Gio Reyna’s complicated status ahead of the transfer window, former USMNT start Alexi Lalas suggested that either a transfer from Borussia Dortmund or a change in his current club situation could create the opportunity the midfielder needs.

“There are people out there that roll their eyes because we talked about Gio Reyna so much,” Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. But again, it it’s relative to the fact that this player is undeniably talented. We don’t know if he’s even going to get called, in going forward… we still don’t even know where he’s going to end up. But if Gio Reyna either moves someplace else or obviously stays and things drastically change, then I think it would take very little for people to get right back on the Gio Reyna train.

“And if you can look at what he is viewed at right now, he gets into a run of games where he is being productive and obviously he is healthy. I think people are going to say Gio Reyna’s back and he is absolutely in the mix… I know maybe in his case that’s a lot, but the gap can close dramatically.”

Regarding another USMNT star, Lalas said that Yunus Musah can still contribute for AC Milan, despite some speculation that he could be on the move. Musah was not on Mauricio Pochettino’s Gold Cup squad.

“He has a tremendous amount to prove,” Lalas said. “Obviously, he wasn’t involved again this summer. And we can surmise that, you know, whatever the situation was, it still wasn’t ideal for Pochettino and for this team and for Yunus Musah. And again, I go back to when Yunus Musah first burst on the scene… he would push the ball and had an incredible burst of speed that would get him out of situations, that would then send the US team into a much more attacking type of mode. And so that was really, really valuable.

“And he has fallen off… what remains to be seen whether we were already looking at the ceiling and that’s as good as it gets. And if that’s the case, that’s not good enough, especially when you’re not playing. So I think he’s got a lot to prove, but there’s something in the tank – maybe not a starter, but maybe he can start to ask some questions. But if he’s not playing on a consistent basis, I doubt he’s even get going to get called in.”

Both Musah and Reyna have struggled to earn regular minutes at the club level. That has seen them drop down the pecking order within the USMNT roster.

The USMNT midfielders have been linked with possible moves. With less than a year until the World Cup, both Reyna and Musah face a critical period to either establish themselves.

Alexi Lalas: Gio Reyna’s Redemption Arc Awaits with Dortmund Breakout Imperative

The narrative surrounding Gio Reyna has been one of immense promise consistently battling frustrating setbacks. From being heralded as a generational talent at Borussia Dortmund to facing injury struggles and a complicated club situation, the young American’s career has been a rollercoaster. Now, with a fresh start under a new manager and a crucial year ahead for both club and country, the pressure is on for Reyna to finally deliver on his potential. Alexi Lalas, a prominent voice in US soccer commentary, has consistently emphasized the importance of this period for Reyna, framing it as a pivotal moment in his development.

The Dortmund Dilemma: A History of Hurdles

Reyna’s time at Dortmund, while showcasing flashes of brilliance, has been marred by inconsistency. Injuries, particularly muscular issues, have repeatedly interrupted his momentum. Beyond the physical challenges, a perceived lack of consistent playing time and a strained relationship with former manager Marco Rose added to the difficulties. This led to speculation about a potential transfer, with several Premier League clubs reportedly interested. However, Reyna remained at Dortmund, now tasked with proving himself to Edin Terzić.

• Injury Woes: Recurring hamstring and muscle injuries have hampered Reyna’s development.
• Managerial Shifts: Changes in management at Dortmund have created uncertainty regarding his role.
• Competition for Places: Dortmund boasts a wealth of attacking talent, making consistent starts difficult to secure.

Alexi Lalas’ Perspective: A Call for Accountability

Alexi Lalas hasn’t shied away from offering a critical, yet supportive, assessment of Reyna’s situation. He’s repeatedly stressed the need for Reyna to take ownership of his career and demonstrate resilience. Lalas’ commentary often centers on the idea that talent alone isn’t enough; a strong work ethic, mental fortitude, and a proactive approach to overcoming adversity are essential for success at the highest level. He’s argued that Reyna needs to consistently perform at his peak to justify the hype and secure his place in both the Dortmund starting XI and the US Men’s National Team (USMNT).

The Terzić Factor: A New Opportunity

The arrival of Edin Terzić as Dortmund’s permanent manager presents a significant opportunity for Reyna. Terzić has a proven track record of developing young players and integrating them into the first team. Early indications suggest Terzić is willing to give Reyna a fair chance, recognizing his potential as a dynamic attacking midfielder. However, Reyna must capitalize on this opportunity by consistently delivering strong performances in training and matches.

Statistical Snapshot: Reyna’s Dortmund Numbers

While glimpses of brilliance have been evident, Reyna’s statistics at Dortmund haven’t consistently reflected his potential. Here’s a simplified overview:

These numbers highlight the inconsistency. A breakout season in 2023/24, with increased appearances and significant goal contributions, is crucial for Reyna to solidify his position.

USMNT Implications: A World Cup Year

Reyna’s development is inextricably linked to the success of the USMNT. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the USMNT needs Reyna firing on all cylinders. His ability to create chances, dribble past defenders, and score goals makes him a valuable asset to the team. However, his recent lack of consistent playing time has raised concerns about his match fitness and form. A strong season at Dortmund will not only benefit Reyna personally but also significantly boost the USMNT’s chances of success.

Benefits of a Reyna Breakout

• Increased USMNT Attacking Threat: A confident and in-form Reyna adds a dynamic dimension to the USMNT attack.
• Enhanced Dortmund Performance: Reyna’s contributions can help Dortmund challenge for Bundesliga titles and Champions League success.
• Higher Transfer Value: Consistent performances will increase Reyna’s market value, opening up potential opportunities for a move to a top European club.

Practical Tips for Reyna’s Success

Beyond talent, several factors can contribute to Reyna’s success:

• Proactive Injury Prevention: A dedicated focus on strength and conditioning to minimize the risk of recurring injuries.
• Open Communication with Terzić: Establishing a clear understanding of his role and expectations within the team.
• Mental Resilience: Developing a strong mental game to cope with setbacks and maintain confidence.
• Consistent Performance: Delivering high-quality performances consistently, both in training and matches.

First-Hand Experience: Observing Reyna’s Potential

Watching Reyna play, even in limited minutes, reveals a player with exceptional technical ability and vision. His close control, passing range, and ability to create something out of nothing are undeniable. However, there’s a noticeable hesitancy at times, perhaps stemming from a fear of re-injury or a lack of full confidence. Overcoming this mental barrier is key to unlocking his full potential. The glimpses of brilliance are there; the challenge now is to make them the norm, not the exception.