Former United States goalkeeper Kasey Keller has backed Gio Reyna to fulfil his enormous potential following the midfielder’s spectacular goal against Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Reyna produced one of the standout moments of the tournament so far when he came off the bench to score a stunning trivela effort during the United States’ emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
The co-hosts made an impressive start to their World Cup campaign, with Christian Pulisic inspiring the performance before being substituted at half-time, while Folarin Balogun scored twice.
The final flourish came deep into stoppage time when Reyna collected the ball on the edge of the area and curled an outside-of-the-foot strike beyond goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The goal served as another reminder of the 23-year-old’s immense talent, but Keller believes the next challenge is maintaining that level consistently.
“I think that’s what we’re waiting for. We’re waiting to see how that can be week in and week out. Then the other question is why can’t it be week in and week out yet?” Keller said.
The former goalkeeper revealed he had closely followed Reyna’s recent spell with Borussia Monchengladbach and felt the midfielder had shown positive signs despite injury setbacks.
“I was really excited that he went to Gladbach, obviously as a former Gladbach player, but I thought he had something that would really help Gladbach.
“He was playing quite a bit more and then picked up a little injury and then took some time, and then at the end of the season was getting a little more playing time.”
Keller, who has a long-standing relationship with the Reyna family, admitted nobody is more frustrated by the interruptions to the midfielder’s progress than the player himself.
“I’m sure nobody’s more frustrated than Gio. The family’s staying at our house for the Seattle game. I’ve known Gio since he was born, obviously how close I am to Claudio.”
Despite the challenges, Keller remains convinced that Reyna possesses the quality to reach the highest level.
“Obviously talent-wise, sky’s the limit and now it’s just that little piece of finding that consistency, finding that something that ensures that you’re on the pitch.”
The discussion has also intensified over Reyna’s role within Mauricio Pochettino’s squad following his impact from the bench against Paraguay.
With midfielders such as Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman currently providing balance and energy in midfield, Reyna has often been used as an attacking option later in matches.
Keller believes the midfielder understands the current situation and is capable of stepping into the starting line-up when required.
“I’m sure he understands as well that he just hasn’t had the minutes, for whatever reason to think that you’re ready for the full night.”
The former US international also stressed that Reyna remains a strong option if injuries or tactical changes create an opening.
“Look, if somebody goes down, I don’t think there’s going to be a problem. That was a pretty dynamic trio in midfield. I don’t think by any means that Gio couldn’t slide in there comfortably, if let’s say Tillman goes down or something like that.”
For now, Keller believes patience remains key.
“But we’ve all been in those situations where you’re ready, you feel ready, but the guys in front of you are playing really, really well. You just have to wait your time.”
As the United States prepare for their next World Cup assignment against Australia, Reyna’s stunning contribution against Paraguay has once again highlighted his ability to influence matches.
The challenge now, according to Keller, is turning flashes of brilliance into a consistent presence for both club and country.
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