Jamie Carragher takes aim at Landon Donovan as Gio Reyna makes big statement amid debate

In recent weeks, virtually everyone in American soccer has been talking about the future of Giovanni Reyna.

This even includes Jamie Carragher and a bizarre attack on Landon Donovan.

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Amid the noise, Reyna himself had his say emphatically on Sunday by scoring his first Bundesliga goal in 583 days in his first start of the season.

American legend Donovan recently sparked a heated debate when he strongly suggested that Reyna should return to MLS after a frustrating and prolonged period without regular football.

“In a case like Gio, great you signed with Borussia Dortmund, great you went on loan to Forest,” Donovan said.

“You don’t play football. You are a football player, you are not a football player. You are not a player under a football contract. You are a football player.

“Do you want to play football or not? I know about Gio’s injuries, but I’m so sick of this bullshit.

“Gio Reyna in MLS would now play 300 matches. I hope he would have been in good shape.

Donovan’s comments immediately sparked backlash as prominent members from across the American soccer sphere gave their views.

The story even reached CBS’ coverage of midweek Champions League matches with guest Clint Dempsey vocally disagreeing with his former international teammate before Carragher intervened.

“Do you think Landon Donovan is saying that because he never shot this movie overseas?,” Carragher joked.

“It seems ridiculous if you say someone should play in MLS rather than the Bundesliga or the Champions League. It seems absolutely ridiculous.

Despite playing most of his career in MLS, Donovan made a foray into Europe with stints in Germany and England, but never stayed long.

Reyna, meanwhile, is still trying to carve out a successful career in European football. Despite only turning 22 in November, Reyna is in his sixth season in the Bundesliga.

Yet after more than half a decade, Reyna is still looking for regular football. This season he missed more than two months of action with a groin injury before finally returning after the November international break.

And just as Donovan reignited the debate over Reyna’s career path which has seemingly encompassed much of his footballing life, the striker began to make his own statement.

Although it wasn’t a flawless performance, Reyna took a step forward when he started for Dortmund in the Champions League defeat to Barcelona. And he continued with his first start in the Bundesliga this weekend.

Moments into the second half, a Dortmund cross headed towards the edge of the box where Reyna lurked dangerously.

The 31-cap USA international took it off his chest before sending the bouncing ball into the top corner.

Even though his side failed to hold on to their lead as Hoffenheim came back to claim a point, there is no doubt that this could be a huge moment for Reyna.

Not only should this help him continue to maintain his place on the team, which cannot be understated for a player who has struggled so hard for consistent minutes in recent years, but it shows exactly why there is so much left optimism around talent.

There aren’t many players available for Mauricio Pochettino who have the ability and football IQ to score Reyna’s goal on Sunday.

At his best, Reyna is a very dangerous force because of what he is capable of without the ball at his feet – combined with his obvious brilliance when he gets it.

This goal was a perfect example of how he glides around the pitch, finding open spaces to receive the ball and make things happen.

As seen in the clip, Reyna hovers in a free area outside the box while Dortmund prepares an attack on their left flank.

After opening up to receive the ball, Reyna follows the progression of the attack and finds herself in the ideal spot to eventually receive the ball and shoot on goal.

The volley needs no explanation, struck perfectly to give the Hoffenheim goalkeeper no chance.

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But the movement and spatial awareness to get into this position is a crucial part of Reyna’s game – and shows why he can be a game-changing force for the United States and Pochettino.

Every team needs an extra touch of magic.

And while the United States emerges as an exciting proposition in attack with players like Timothy Weah and Ricardo Pepi progressing alongside the continued resurgence of Christian Pulisic, there will always be a place for Reyna at his best. If he can reach it.