Unfamiliar sight: former Dortmund man Reyna set for Mönchengladbach debut | OneFootball

He has remained a Borusse. But Giovanni Reyna (22) is now lacing up his soccer boots not for Dortmund, but for Mönchengladbach. On Sunday (September 14, 5:30 PM) against Werder Bremen, he is set to make his competitive debut for the team from the Lower Rhine.

Reyna was under contract with BVB for six years – interrupted only by a five-month loan to Nottingham Forest. In 147 games, the American wore the black and yellow jersey. He scored 19 goals and assisted 18 more.

However, the breakthrough to becoming an undisputed regular player eluded the pace dribbler. Muscular problems and a prolonged groin injury repeatedly troubled Reyna. In his last season for the Westphalians, he made 26 appearances (two goals, one assist), but only started five times. Not once did he stay on the field for the full 90 minutes.

Now, he is taking a fresh start in Mönchengladbach. In the test match during the international break against FC Schalke 04 (2-0), he made his debut for the Foals. He started as a number ten but frequently moved to the wing. These are the positions where he feels most comfortable. “The test was very important. I haven't played 70 minutes in a long time, my body feels better every day,” Reyna is quoted by Kicker.

Coach Seoane impressed by Reyna

His coach Gerardo Seoane (46) is enthusiastic about the new signing's abilities: “You could see what strengths Gio Reyna has. In the final pass, in passing accuracy, he shows his qualities. You can also see his feel for through passes into the depths.” However, the Swiss coach also asks for patience. “It will be an important task in the coming weeks for him to get match rhythm,” says the Gladbach coach. The 32-time US international also needs to get to know his teammates better.

Although he has been in the business for a long time, Reyna is only 22 years young. “Still in an early phase of his career,” says the former Dortmund player. “I am now at a point where I want to take the next step and elevate my career to a higher level,” adds the attacking player. “That's also why I came to Gladbach” – and bid farewell to BVB.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.