Gio Reyna Thrives in New Leadership Role at Strasbourg, Boosting USMNT Prospects
The midfielder's increased playing time and responsibility with the French club are seen as positive signs for his national team future.
Gio Reyna is relishing his new leadership role at French club Strasbourg, a development that bodes well for his prospects with the U.S. men's national team (USMNT).
Reyna, who transferred to Strasbourg this past summer, has started four of the club's first five matches in Ligue 1. This consistent playing time marks a significant shift from his recent club experiences, where he often struggled for regular minutes.
"Obviously as a player, all you want to do is really play," Reyna said Monday as the USMNT opened its training camp. "I was desperate at times over the last couple years just to be on the field. Whether it’s injuries or maybe situation, but obviously speaking with clubs and speaking to [Strasbourg coach Hugo Oliveira], right away, I knew I wanted to make a step there. The soccer fits me. The club project fits me well."
Strasbourg, currently eighth in the French league, is owned by Clearlake Capital, which also owns Chelsea. The club operates largely as a player development vehicle, with an average player age of 24. Following his transfer for a reported €3 million fee from Borussia Mönchengladbach, Reyna has been tasked with taking on a leadership role in the locker room.
"That’s part of the role they asked me to come in and take on: be a leader and help the team," Reyna stated. "Of course my performance as well, just bring some experience. Really, really enjoying my time so far."
Meanwhile, the U.S. national team is preparing for upcoming friendlies. The team will honor veteran defender Tim Ream before an upcoming match against Chile in his hometown of St. Louis. While Ream, 38, has not officially retired from international play, his appearance in the Round of 16 at the World Cup is widely considered his likely final match for the national team, with coach Mauricio Pochettino signaling a shift towards younger players in recent call-ups.
Sixteen of the 28 players called into the current camp were present for training on Monday. The remaining players were expected to join after completing their weekend club commitments.