54 minutes—that’s all Gio Reyna has played for Borussia Dortmund this season. While a lengthy injury has contributed to his long-term absence from action, the American star is also losing his place in the team. This has prompted Landon Donovan to criticize the youngster for not choosing to play in MLS, where the USMNT icon claims Reyna would have played over 300 games!

Of course, his playing time remains a major concern, considering the 22-year-old is one of the touted names to play in the 2026 World Cup under Mauricio Pochettino. However, the way it has been so far for Gio makes the situation quite skeptical for him. “In a case like Gio, great you signed with Borussia Dortmund, great you went on loan to Forest. You don’t play soccer,” Donovan began on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast.

“I used to hate this. You’re a soccer player, you’re not a soccer practicer. You’re not a soccer contracted person. You’re a soccer player. Do you want to play soccer or not? I know injuries with Gio, but I just get so sick of this bullsh*t. People crap on MLS all the time and I get it and whatever. Guess what? Gio Reyna in MLS would play 300 games by now. Hopefully would’ve been fit,” Landon continued with his slandering.

Prior to this summer, the 22-year-old was sent on loan to Nottingham Forest in the winter transfer window, where he played just 10 games and made a goal contribution, eventually returning to the Black & Yellow outfit. However, early August saw him pick up a groin strain, forcing Gio to miss out on the first half of the season.

On the contrary, a potential move to MLS may still prove favorable, where he may later consider a return to Europe. “It’s just frustrating because a guy that talented—a lot of people who are inside the camp say that is the most talented guy,” concluded Donovan before Howard could also join in and give the much-needed advice to Reyna and make him understand the gravity of the periculous situation that not just the talented youngster faces, but even his own country.

Gio Reyna reminded about the privileged ‘luxury’ that USMNT doesn’t have!

Fellow co-host Tim Howard also advised Gio Reyna to push for a bounce back, urging the midfielder to start building his case for the 2026 World Cup. “The U.S. doesn’t have the luxury like Brazil. If you miss on one [great player], so what, there’s another one… We don’t have that luxury,” reminded the iconic goalie about the limited talents that Mauricio Pochettino and Co. have at their disposal.

Citing the example of Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah, Howard branded Reyna a ‘special man,’ adding more praise for the youngster, saying, “He’s got magic in his boots; he’s got a toughness and a doggedness about him that not every US player has. He’s physically very gifted… Because of that, I want to see him play more.”

While Tim agrees that it’s difficult to manage all these things at such an early age, he had a blunt and worrying note for Reyna, stating, “Between now and the World Cup, I hope things get better. Either he moves on or plays more at Dortmund, because he’s a special talent.”

Looks like this is a much-needed wake-up call for the youngster. Whether Gio Reyna is able to rise from the ashes is something he will have to figure out for himself.