The USA are up and running at the World Cup, with former Nottingham Forest loan player Giovanni Reyna scoring in a 4-1 win over Paraguay.
Naturally, the pressure is on the USA, given that they’re one of the host nations at this tournament, but they looked unfazed against the South American opposition.
Should Forest have signed Giovanni Reyna permanently?
The attacker didn't do much at the CG but clearly he has talent!
Two goals from Folarin Balogun, an own goal and a stunning strike by Reyna ensured a big three points for the hosts, and Mauricio Pochettino was beaming afterwards.
Reyna stepped off the bench, and his cameo might have surprised and frustrated Forest fans in equal measure.
USA media hail Giovanni Reyna after World Cup performance
During the 2023/24 campaign, Forest took Reyna on loan from Dortmund in a deal that caught the eye, given the player’s status as a future star.
The attacker never really hit top form in the Premier League, largely because he was backup to Morgan Gibbs-White and often found himself on the fringes of the starting eleven.
He managed one assist from 10 appearances, and frankly, that form was never going to justify adding him to the ranks on a permanent basis.
Reyna has arrived at the World Cup, though, and after his latest performance, Sports Illustrated said: “Continues to be a reliable option for Pochettino off the bench and proved his worth with a banger in the waning seconds.”
Reyna can still be a star player in the future, and last season he managed 19 appearances for Dortmund.
The 23-year-old might have to leave the German giants if he’s to truly realise his potential, and having been at Forest previously, fans will continue to monitor his career with intrigue.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
