Gio Reyna has once again been reminded that the “sky’s the limit” when it comes to his potential, though the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) midfielder continues to hear familiar advice as he strives to realise it fully. Former US international Kasey Keller — a long-time friend of the Reyna family — spoke to GOAL about the need for Reyna to develop more consistency following his brilliant goal against Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup.

Reyna netted a spectacular trivela strike against Paraguay as the co-hosts made a dream start to their World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over their South American opponents. Christian Pulisic set the tone with a dazzling display before being substituted at half-time, while AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, leading the attacking line, bagged a brace to underline the team’s dominance.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were in complete control throughout, with Reyna providing the finishing flourish. Coming off the bench late in the game, the 23-year-old playmaker fired home an extraordinary goal in stoppage time, capping off a memorable win.

In the eighth minute of added time, Reyna collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area, took a couple of measured steps, and curled a superb trivela effort with the outside of his right foot beyond the despairing reach of goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Although Reyna’s talent has never been in doubt, his progress has been held back at times by injuries and inconsistent form, limiting his opportunities to produce such magical moments regularly for both club and country.

Speaking about Reyna’s goal and his potential to deliver more performances of that calibre, Keller told GOAL: “I think that’s what we’re waiting for. We’re waiting to see how that can happen week in and week out. Then the question becomes, why can’t it be week in and week out yet?”

He continued: “I was really excited when he went to Gladbach. As a former Gladbach player myself, I thought he could bring something special to the team. He was playing quite a bit more, then picked up a small injury which sidelined him for a while, but towards the end of the season, he started seeing more minutes again.”

“I’m sure nobody’s more frustrated than Gio,” Keller added. “The family’s staying with us for the Seattle game. I’ve known Gio since he was born, and obviously, I’m very close to Claudio. Talent-wise, the sky’s the limit — now it’s just about finding that consistency, that little something that ensures you’re always on the pitch.”

As the USMNT prepare to face Australia in Washington state on Friday, Reyna will be keen to impress Pochettino once again after reconnecting with the Keller family. The question now is whether he will be used as an impact substitute or handed a starting role.

Asked if Reyna might be better suited to an impact role for now — given the energy and work rate that players like Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Malik Tillman bring in midfield — Keller said: “I’m sure he knows he just hasn’t had the minutes yet to think he’s ready for the full 90.”

He added: “If someone goes down, I don’t think there’s going to be a problem. That midfield trio is pretty dynamic, but Gio could easily slot in there if, say, Tillman picks up a knock or something like that.”

“We’ve all been in those situations where you feel ready, but the guys ahead of you are performing really well. You just have to be patient and wait for your turn.”

Reyna’s international record now stands at 39 senior caps with his goal tally reaching double digits. He believes both numbers should be higher and aims to build on them as the tournament progresses.

With the USMNT determined to make a deep run on home soil, Reyna should see more playing time during the rest of the World Cup. The 2026–27 season also presents an opportunity for him to rediscover his rhythm at Borussia Monchengladbach and fulfil the lofty expectations that have long surrounded him.