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Gio Reyna Nottingham Forest GFXGOAL

Gio Reyna's loan to Nottingham Forest was always a bad idea - stupendous Morgan Gibbs-White is main man for Nuno Espirito Santo against Fulham

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  • Forest defeat Fulham 3-1
  • Reyna comes off bench
  • USMNT star still struggling for minutes
  • Morgan Gibbs-White Nottingham Forest 2023-24Getty Images

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    It was the Morgan Gibbs-White show for Forest on Tuesday, with the 24-year-old netting a goal and notching an assist en route to a 3-0 halftime lead over Fulham. Cottagers boss Marco Silva was even forced into a triple change inside 30 minutes to try and counter the offensive momentum of Nuno Espirito Santo's men.

    The attacking midfielder - who is ahead of Reyna in the pecking order - did absolutely everything he needed to show his boss why he's the clear first choice for his side. Reyna, meanwhile, was subbed on in the 75th minute. With Forest leading 3-1, they sat back and absorbed pressure, with the 21-year-old not having much to do with their attack to close things out.

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  • Gio Reyna Forest 2023-24Getty Images

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Reyna was linked with a plethora of clubs during the January transfer window as he looked to escape Borussia Dortmund. From Sevilla in Spain to Marseille in France, Fiorentina in Italy and Ajax in the Netherlands, he was a wanted man.

    For some reason, though, the USMNT star and his agent opted to sign for Forest - despite them already possessing a top-quality No.10 in Gibbs-White. The loan move was criticized by many to start, and two months on, he hasn't made any progress in securing a starting spot.

    With a player like Gibbs-White ahead of you, it was a baffling choice to select Forest as his club. Reyna likely would have been better off with any of the other options available. Regardless, Reyna is not in the starting XI picture for Forest - and it doesn't seem like that is changing anytime soon.

  • Gio Reyna USMNT 2024USA Today

    USMNT IMPACT

    Reyna's stupendous form during the March international break, where he won the CONCACAF Nations League Golden Ball, saw heads turn all around the world. He likely confirmed his spot in this summer's Copa America roster for the USMNT with those displays, but inconsistent minutes at club level will surely only hurt his prospects ahead of the tournament.

  • GOAL'S RATINGS

    Gio Reyna (6/10):

    Arrived off the bench in the 75th minute, but failed to make an impact with Forest leading 3-1.

    Matt Turner (N/A):

    Did not play.

  • Reyna Nottingham ForestGetty

    WHAT COMES NEXT?

    Reyna and Forest take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday as they look to stretch their undefeated streak to four games and pull further away from relegation peril. For the USMNT star, it's another chance to earn his maiden start for the Premier League club.