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Gio Reyna Malik Tillman USMNTGetty/GOAL
Chris Burton

Concern for Gio Reyna? USMNT star Malik Tillman in ‘real No.10’ admission as PSV playmaker reveals favourite role

Gio Reyna could face competition for his role as playmaker in the USMNT side, with Malik Tillman admitting that “real No.10” is his favoured position.

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  • Bayern-owned star impressing at PSV
  • Sees himself as a central playmaker
  • 2024 will be big year for the USMNT

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Two 21-year-old prospects have their eyes on that spot in Gregg Berhalter’s plans, but only one of them can fill it. Reyna, who is currently on loan at Premier League side Nottingham Forest, continues to struggle for minutes in 2023-24 and that could influence selection plans heading forward as Bayern Munich-owned Tillman impresses in the Netherlands with PSV.

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  • Gio Reyna USMNT v Trinidad and TobagoGetty Images

    WHAT TILLMAN SAID

    Tillman has told The Athletic: “I’d prefer to play as a real No.10. But obviously we also have Gio, who is a great player. We have a good squad with strong competition in every area.”

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Both men will be taking inspiration from eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi when it comes to mastering the No.10 post, with Tillman’s brother, Timothy, currently competing against the iconic Argentine in MLS with the LA Galaxy. Malik added: “He said you can’t get close to Messi. He’s amazing. Even if you get close, he always has an idea or knows what he’s going to do. It’s always a good move. For me, he’s the best. I’m not surprised he did well [at Inter Miami], but I’ve never played MLS.”

  • Malik Tillman PSV 2023Getty

    DID YOU KNOW?

    For now, Tillman is focused on proving his worth in Eindhoven, with a dose of tough love passed his way back in September 2023 when poor time-keeping resulted in him being dropped at PSV. Explaining that episode, Tillman said: “I overslept. I didn’t make it to the training ground and when I knew I wouldn’t get there in time I called the team manager and told him. At first, he said OK come straight to the hotel but then he called again and said he’s spoken to the coach (Peter Bosz) and I should stay home. So, yeah, I stayed home. I apologised to the team and afterwards I showed I have learned from it. I need to show it will never happen again. I guess I can laugh about it now. Or the team can. The worst was coming in the next day and everyone knew what happened and they’re going to look at you. It’s part of it.”

  • WHAT NEXT FOR TILLMAN?

    Tillman has registered five goals and seven assists for PSV this season, as they remain unbeaten in the Eredivisie title race, and has plenty to look forward to at international level in 2024 as the United States prepare to chase down CONCACAF Nations League and Copa America honours.