Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Gio Reyna has expressed excitement in playing alongside Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and other youngsters in the team.
The 17-year-old American stated this after helping the team to a 3-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach in their Bundesliga opener at the Signal Iduna Park. The creative lad scored his first-ever Bundesliga goal in the game, which was his second competitive start of the season.
There were 10,000 slots allocated to the team for the home fans as they gradually return to the start after reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Reyna and Sancho involved in Dortmund’s goals
Gio who found the back of the net in the first round of the DFB Cup opened his Bundesliga account within 35 minutes, angling a shot past Yann Sommer to break the deadlock. He was also heavily involved in the second goal. He moved forward from midfield before being brought down inside the area for a penalty and Haaland made no mistake, from the spot. The Norwegian later rounded out the scoring following a free-flowing counter-attack led by Jadon Sancho.
“It’s a really good start to the season. We have a lot of young guys and a great balance of older guys, or veterans, too, so it was a really exciting game. And it was great to have the fans back. To score and help the team makes it even better,” ” he told Sky Germany.
Reyna was all smiles after the final whistle, saying the team’s success revolves around the number of gifted youngsters:
“I think it’s so fun to play with guys who are similar to my age in Jude [Bellingham], Jadon and Erling. There’s a lot of energy and a lot of excitement for us and for the fans to watch. I think it’s so fun to have all of us together and a really exciting group to have this year. Now we just have to kick on and keep working.”
Speaking further on the impact of Sancho and Haaland, who are both 20, the American said he is more pleased than most when Dortmund signed fellow 17-year-old Bellingham.
“When I first found out Jude was coming I was so excited. More for off-the-field reasons to be honest, because there’s a few years difference between me and Jadon and Erling, so to have somebody my age, who’s still a kid who you can have fun with is amazing.
“He’s a really nice kid. We like to joke a lot and we make fun of each other. Overall as a player and off the field as well, it’s so nice to have him here with me.”
Reyna eager to do more
Bellingham provided the assist with a neat flick of the boot to tee up Reyna to score.
Having scored his first Bundesliga goal, Reyna is eager for more this season.
“I just want to help the team in any way possible. I’m ready to have a bigger role and I think you’ve seen that in the first couple of games.
“I’ve started both of them. It’s going to be a tough season. Any way I can score goals or get assists is the main way I can help, but also anyway to try to win to help the team.”
