The CONCACAF Nations League has witnessed many top performers over its inaugural three editions, but Gio Reyna finished the 2023-24 edition as the best.
Reyna earned Player of the Tournament honors on Sunday night as the U.S. men’s national team defeated rivals Mexico 2-0. After delivering an impactful performance off the bench in last Thursday’s semifinal victory over Jamaica, the Nottingham Forest attacker started and scored one goal as the Americans lifted the title for the third-straight edition.
Despite coming into USMNT camp with only 39 minutes of action since his loan move to England, Reyna looked full of confidence in the final third.
“The kid’s unbelievable, honestly,” said USMNT captain Tyler Adams on Reyna. “So many people talk about the noise that surrounded him and everything that he went through. But at 21 years old, every single one of the players on our team has gone through a situation like that. Maybe not as extreme, of course, because it was surrounding a World Cup and we didn’t play in a World Cup at 21.
“He’s got that grit, he’s got that intensity, and when he plays like that every night, he’s gonna be playing at a big club very soon,” Adams added.
Reyna’s volley in the second half padded the USMNT’s lead at 2-0 after Adams’ sensational 30+yard missile broke the deadlock before halftime. The 21-year-old also won three duels and drew two fouls from his midfield position, battling constantly with the Mexico midfielders throughout the night.
Reyna now has three goals and five assists in 10 career Nations League appearances, being a part of three title-winning teams. After previously featuring as a winger in his early USMNT days, his shift to midfield could be what truly makes Reyna a long-term contributor for the program.
“He can unlock defenses and he just has these qualities that are really good,” Berhalter said about Reyna. “I also believe, and I’ve said this before, that he can be a midfielder. I think that’s the next evolution for him because he can control the tempo so well and he can make final passes when he gets the ball in pockets in transition and he’s a good finisher.”
The goal for Reyna will now be to take his strong form back to England where Nottingham Forest could use his services. Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad have dropped into the relegation zone after being docked four points by the English Premier League for breaking financial rules and overall have failed to win their last five matches across all competitions.
An in-form Reyna will certainly be on Santo’s mind as Nottingham Forest resumes league play this Saturday against Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Reyna’s international schedule will continue this summer as the USMNT aims for a strong showing at the Copa America.
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