USMNT legend Clint Dempsey praises Gio Reyna and Weston McKennie as young Americans putting on a show in Champions League games
- America’s two internationals, McKennie and Reyna, contributed to goals in UCL
- Dempsey praised both players on the first day of play performances
- Both players are expected to play a big role for Team USA at the 2022 World Cup
Coming off Day 1 of Champions League group action, he was one of the best ever to feature for the US national team and heaped praise on two of the team’s current key figures.
Clint Dempsey, who finished his career as the joint-leading goalscorer in Team USA history, appeared as part of Paramount’s Champions League coverage.
Dempsey praised the performances of midfielders Giovanni Reyna and Weston McKennie, who play for Borussia Dortmund and Juventus respectively.
McKennie scored Juventus’ loan goal against PSG after scoring a header just minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute. Reyna, on the other hand, came on for Dortmund in the 23rd minute and looked like he was back at the top as he fought the injury bug last season.
Clint Dempsey praised both Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna after Tuesday’s Champions League group stage
With 57 international goals, Dempsey is by far the USA’s top scorer
“Wasn’t it nice to see an American score? He brings that energy with him and at the same time he’s always been someone, for club and country, who was dangerous from set pieces or crosses. And the way he rises and gets over people and scores goals,” Dempsey said.
“What a finish here, to be able to rise above everyone else to show he wants to play in big games on this team. Another Champions League goal and the Harry Potter celebration. So you have to love it.’
24-year-old McKennie has been a key player for Juventus since moving from FC Schalke. Since joining in 2020, he has made 80 appearances and scored 11 goals for the club.
Weston McKennie celebrates the goal against PSG just minutes after coming on
McKennie controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group H game against PSG
Reyna has also become a crucial player for Dortmund with 80 first-team appearances but he has struggled with major health issues in the last year. After missing months with a serious hamstring injury, his final season was marked by multiple starts and stops before finally ending prematurely with a problematic hamstring injury.
The 19-year-old came on after Thorgan Hazard’s injury and has been one of the most influential players on the field. Reyna quickly linked up with Marco Reus and later Raphael Guerreiro to record two assists that night.
“Nice to see Gio playing again. Can he keep up? That is the question. But here he lifts his head and finds Bellingham. US to England package. What a nice ending,” said Dempsey.
Gio Reyna plays a pass during Champions League group action against FC Copenhagen
If Reyna can maintain this form while staying healthy, he could easily be one of the most dangerous players in both the Bundesliga and the USMNT.
Dempsey was also positive about Reyna’s health, saying, “Sure. I spoke to him this summer. I mean the thing that he was really focused on was his rehab to make sure it made his body stronger and got his body right. Work on its activation, make sure you don’t have those injuries that keep coming, and you can see it’s paying off.”
‘He’s been back a while. But truth will tell how long he can keep that right, so about managing your minutes and making sure you stay fit and ready for the World Cup because if he is we’ve shown you big games tonight, can you do great things.
Reyna celebrates with his teammates after Jude Bellingham’s 83rd minute goal
