Pochettino Issues Stern Challenge to Reyna Following Spectacular USMNT Comeback
Following over 600 days away from scoring, Gio Reyna returned to the scoresheet for the U.S. men's national team, though head coach Mauricio Pochettino is cautioning against excessive expectations from both Reyna and American fans.
The 22-year-old midfielder netted the opening goal just four minutes into the match, converting a precise cross from Max Arfsten with a header, before contributing to Folarin Balogun's decisive strike in the 71st minute.
"Today we witnessed his excellence - he scored and provided an assist," Pochettino commented on Reyna's comeback. "His ability to interpret the game and discover space between defensive lines created problems for Paraguay throughout. His performance was outstanding."
Reyna's display marked the return of one of America's most gifted players. Despite struggling for form at Borussia Monchengladbach following his summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund, Saturday's showing demonstrated that the talent which established him as one of football's premier young prospects remains intact.
"His contribution was excellent, and I'm delighted for him - he justified his selection," Pochettino continued, before tempering enthusiasm. "However, he must develop further by securing more playing time at club level."
In Bundesliga action, he has managed just 147 minutes across six appearances.
Reyna's Impact
Beyond his goal, Reyna completed eight passes into the attacking third and made three defensive actions, establishing himself as one of the match's key figures. Additionally, he worked effectively to enhance Balogun's performance, not only creating his winning goal but maintaining strong chemistry throughout the contest.
"I believe we're both versatile players," Reyna shared with the TNT broadcast. "We practice these combinations in training, and we share excellent chemistry both on and off the field. Playing alongside him is enjoyable and simplifies my role."
However, the USMNT's performance wasn't entirely smooth. In the 91st minute, Alex Freeman and Gustavo Gonzalez clashed over a disputed throw-in decision, triggering a heated confrontation involving both benches.
While Reyna wasn't initially involved in the altercation, it reminded him of the intense international competitive atmosphere he craves as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.
"Truthfully, I'm unsure how it began. I was looking elsewhere when Alex and one of their players appeared to have a disagreement. Despite being a friendly match, the competitive spirit was evident. We were determined to secure victory," Reyna explained. "Since we've primarily played friendlies throughout last year, it's crucial to embrace that competitive intensity within our squad moving forward."
Upcoming Challenge Awaits
With the USMNT maintaining their unbeaten record against Top 40 nations for four consecutive matches - their first such streak in a decade - Reyna aims to deliver another strong showing against Uruguay on Tuesday as they seek to extend this impressive run in their final fixture of 2025.
While Pochettino may require more evidence beyond one performance, another impressive display could position the midfielder as a serious contender for the 2026 World Cup roster, potentially even earning a starting position.
"Our responsibility is establishing the foundation for our players to excel, and today demonstrated that our entire squad possesses the quality to deliver captivating football," Pochettino concluded. "We must maintain this momentum and continue developing. Our goal is reaching the World Cup in peak condition and form, proving that success depends not on individual stars, but on team unity, collective effort, and solidarity."