‘We’re not panicking’ – Why Gio Reyna retains full support of USMNT & Gregg Berhalter during bench duty in Nottingham Forest loan

The 21-year-old playmaker is still considered to be one of the hottest prospects in world football, with injuries having prevented him from unlocking full potential. A move to England in the winter transfer window was supposed to provide him with an opportunity to catch the eye in the Premier League.

Reyna has been restricted to just 29 minutes of game time since leaving Borussia Dortmund on a short-term loan, leading to questions being asked of whether he will be ready for a busy 2024 with his country that includes the CONCACAF Nations League finals, Copa America and Olympic Games in Paris.

United States head coach Berhalter is not overly concerned by Reyna’s lack of game time at Forest, telling Alexi Lalas' ‘State of the Union’ podcast: “I think it’s important to realise that Gio is still a young player, still finding himself, still finding who he is as a player. Every player on our team has gone through times when they are not thriving or it’s not going the best way for them. For Gio, it’s no different. We’re not panicking. We know he has a ton of talent. We know that he can be a game-changer and we’re looking forward to the day when he’s in the team each and every week and really starting to thrive and grow. We know how much quality he has and what a good player he is.”

There has never been any doubting Reyna’s natural ability, but Berhalter is eager to point out that players of his ilk require more than that in order to reach the very top. He added: “With a growth mindset, people change and people can improve. I don’t think it’s just about talent. You need the whole package if you want to be at a top, top level. There is a big difference between being at a good level and the absolute top. At the absolute top, you need the whole package – I’m talking about a handful of clubs across the globe, top five leagues, Champions League teams, that’s a really high level. You need everything. Soccer is so competitive, they are playing all over the world, so talent isn’t going to separate you from everybody else.”

Reyna will be hoping to get further chances at Forest over the coming weeks, as they seek to steer clear of relegation danger in the English top-flight, while also looking to add to a collection of international caps that currently stands at 24.