United States men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino has described Gio Reyna as a “very special talent” and said that assessment played a key role in his decision to include the midfielder in his latest squad despite Reyna’s limited playing time at club level.
Pochettino named Reyna to the U.S. men’s national team roster for a pair of upcoming international friendlies, indicating that the player’s overall quality and potential outweighed concerns about his recent minutes with his club. While many national team coaches place significant emphasis on current club form and regular match action, Pochettino signaled a willingness to make an exception in Reyna’s case because of what he believes the 23-year-old can offer the team.
Reyna has long been viewed as one of the most technically gifted players in the U.S. player pool, capable of operating in advanced midfield or attacking roles. His vision, close control, and ability to create chances have kept him in national team contention even during stretches when his club opportunities have been limited. Pochettino’s comments reinforce the idea that Reyna remains central to the national team project when fit and available.
By selecting Reyna, Pochettino is also signaling trust in the player’s capacity to contribute in a national team environment regardless of recent club usage. International windows often present a different rhythm from club play, and coaches sometimes lean on players whose skill sets they believe can change games or fit specific tactical plans. Pochettino’s remarks suggest he views Reyna as one of those difference-makers.
The upcoming friendlies will give Reyna a chance to gain additional match sharpness and to further establish his role under Pochettino. They also provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate how Reyna integrates with the current squad and system, particularly given his intermittent run of minutes at club level.
While Pochettino did not go into detail about Reyna’s situation with his club, his decision and public endorsement make clear that, for now, talent and potential remain decisive factors in the midfielder’s continued presence in the U.S. squad.
