USMNT star invokes criticism for move to relegation-threatened Premier League team

TOAlthough it is still very early in his professional football career, United States men's national team midfielder Juan Reyna He has not been immune to controversy or criticism. A dispute between Queen and USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter led to the latter's dismissal after the FIFA World Cup 2022 — but berhalter He was re-elected last year. although questions remain about how Reyna will be used in the biggest international games.

Reyna has also faced scrutiny over his career at the club. The 21-year-old was considered one of Europe's best prospects when he broke into Borussia Dortmundof the first team, but an injury reduced his minutes this season and he has since completed a loan to first division side Nottingham Forest. This decision has been questioned by a former USMNT star, worried about where Reyna's future is headed.

Former USMNT forward criticizes Reyna transfer

Taylor Twellmansaid a former USMNT forward Alexi Lalas about the latter”state of the union“podcast that Reyna's move to Nottingham Forest, fighting for survival in the top flight of English football, has left him a little cold. man believes that Reyna should be challenged at a higher level and that the English league is not the best place for him to showcase his talents.

“The League suits Giovanni Reyna. A relegation battle in the English Premier League does not suit Giovanni Reyna“Twellman said. 'I don't care who you are and who's trying to convince me of that, that's not going to work.'

Reyna's new representative is the Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendezwho is one of the most influential power agents in world football. mendes helped engineer Reyna's move to Forest after minutes proved hard to come by in Dortmund — Reyna played 11 league games in Germany this season for a total of 280 minutes.

“He's young enough to have an incredible career, but these are tough times as a player when you're figuring out who you are and who you want to be,” Twellman said. “I don't know if you'll get that answer in Forest.“.

Will Reyna remain in the USMNT plans?

Twellman has also questioned whether Reyna will continue to feature prominently in the USA'plans, especially if he cannot excel in the Premier League. While the World Cup affairs With Berhalter seemingly a thing of the past, Reyna needs consistent minutes to regain full fitness and arrive in the best shape possible heading into this summer's tournament. America Cup.

So far, Reyna has made two substitute appearances for Forest, totaling 31 minutes. The team is 16th in the Premier League, two points away from falling into the relegation zone, a scenario that Twellman believes will not help the player or the country that is counting on him.

“I think we are going to have the same conversation: where will Gio end up, what is his best team, can he play in a system that does not suit a 10, someone who contributes on both sides? Unfortunately, I think we are going to have this conversation in four months, but I hope I'm wrong,” Twellman said.