Pochettino makes form exception for 'special talent' Reyna

"I think Gio was fantastic in November with us. I think everyone praised him in his game against Paraguay, and then in the way that he was involved and committed with the team. And with the national team, I think I was really happy with the aspect and the factor that he was involved."

"Before the last decision for the last roster for the World Cup, I think it's good to see players that maybe are not playing too much, like in that case of Gio. But that is a very talented player, and we know how he can add to the national team. And he is capable to perform with us."

"I think we really know that he's a very special talent and very special player. And I think to give the possibility, even if it's not playing too much in his club, it can be very useful for us."

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino named Gio Reyna to the roster for upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal despite the player having only 26 minutes of club action with Borussia Monchengladbach since 2026 began and no appearances in two months due to injury. Pochettino emphasized Reyna's exceptional talent and impressive November international window performance, which included a goal against Paraguay and an assist against Uruguay. With the World Cup roster announcement scheduled for May, Pochettino viewed this international window as a critical opportunity to evaluate players in person before making final decisions. The manager stated he was willing to overlook Reyna's limited club minutes because of his demonstrated ability to perform at the national team level and his special qualities as a player.

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