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USMNT legend Clint Dempsey heaps praise on Gio Reyna and Weston McKennie as young Americans put on a show in Champions League matches
- Both American internationals McKennie and Reyna contributed to goals in UCL
- Dempsey heaped praise on both players opening matchday performances
- Both players look set to play huge roles for team USA in the 2022 World Cup
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Following the first matchday of Champions League group action was one of the best to ever suit up for the United States national team and he has heaped praise on two of the teams current key figures.
Clint Dempsey, who ended his career as the joint-highest goal scorer in team USA history, was appearing as part of Paramount’s Champion’s league coverage.
Dempsey applauded the efforts of midfielders Giovanni Reyna and Weston McKennie, who play for Borussia Dortmund and Juventus respectively.
McKennie scored Juventus’s loan goal against PSG after scoring a header only minutes after being subbed on at halftime. Reyna on the other hand subbed on for Dortmund in the 23rd minute and looked like he is back in top, shape spending last season battling the injury bug.
Clint Dempsey heaped praise on both Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna following Tuesday’s Champion’s League group stage action
Dempsey is the USA’s joint highest goal scorer with 57 international goals to his name
‘Wasn’t that nice to see an American score? He does bring that energy and at the same time, he’s always been someone, for club and country, dangerous on the set pieces or crosses. And the way he elevates and gets over people, and scores an goals,’ Dempsey said.
‘What a finish here, being able to rise above everyone else, to show he wants to be playing in this team, in big games. Another champions league goal, and the Harry potter celebration. So, got to love it.’
The 24-year old McKennie has been a key player for Juventus since his transfer from FC Schalke. Since switching sides in 2020 he has made 80 appearances, scoring 11 goals for the club.
Weston McKennie celebrates goal against PSG only minutes after subbing into the game
McKennie controls the Ball during the UEFA Champions League group H match against PSG
Reyna has also become a crucial player for Dortmund registering 80 appearances with the first team, but he struggled mightily with his health over the last year. After missing months with a serious hamstring injury his last season was met with multiple start-and-stops, before it was eventually ended early due to the troublesome hamstring.
The 19-year-old came into the game after Thorgan Hazard suffered an injury and was one of the most impactful players on the field. Reyna quickly connected with both Marco Reus, and later Raphael Guerreiro to register two assist on the evening.
‘Good to see Gio back again, playing. Can he keep that up? That’s, that’s the question. But here, he gets his head up, finds Bellingham. US to England package. What a nice finish,’ Dempsey said.
Gio Reyna plays a pass during Champions League group action against FC Copenhagen
If Reyna can continue that form while staying healthy he could easily be one of the most dangerous players in both the Bundesliga and the USMNT.
Dempsey also commented positively on Reyna’s health stating, ‘For sure. I talked to him this summer. I mean, the thing that he really focused on was his rehab, making sure that it gets his body stronger and gets his body right. Working on his activation, making sure that you’re not having these injuries that are reoccurring and you can see that it’s paying off.’
‘He’s been back for a bit. But the truth will tell how long he can keep that right so about managing your minutes and making sure you’re stay fit and ready for the World Cup because if he is we showed you tonight big games you can do do great things.’
Reyna celebrates with his teammates following Jude Bellingham’s goal in the 83rd minute