Gio Reyna: “I can’t thank Jadon Sancho enough for what he’s done for me”

Gio Reyna has said that he cannot thank Jadon Sancho enough for the influence the Englishman has had on his career so far at Borussia Dortmund. 

Gio Reyna has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2019. The 18 year old has gone from strength to strength since making his senior debut in January 2020. And he looks set for a key role in the team under Marco Rose this season.

Ahead of the start of the 2021/22 Bundesliga season, Gio Reyna thanked former teammate Jadon Sancho for setting the example for him and helping him get to this level. In an interview with Kicker, Reyna said:

"“I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for me. He told me from day one that I could get in touch at any time if I had a problem. And he also helped me by teaching me to believe in myself, to be confident and to exude that no matter how young I was. You can only be a good athlete if you believe in yourself. He set the example for me.”"

Reyna has a new number on the back of his shirt this season. He has taken over the No.7 shirt that was previously worn by Jadon Sancho. The USMNT international said that Sancho told him to take the No.7 shirt before his summer move to Manchester United.

Reyna also hailed Lukasz Piszczek as a role model for the younger players coming through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund. Piszczek, who retired from professional football at the end of last season, spent eleven years playing for the Black and Yellows.

"“The way he worked so hard day after day as a professional and at the same time always pulled the team along was incredible. We all loved him, and with his attitude he was an absolute role model for all of us.”"

Reyna also heaped praise on Marco Reus, calling him an absolute legend of the club. He added that he still looks up to the Borussia Dortmund captain.

"“He’s an absolute legend at the club. I don’t necessarily see us as competitors. Sure, there are certain similarities between us, the way we play. Even to this day, I look up to him and pick things up from him.”"

Gio Reyna has scored eight goals and provided nine assists in 65 appearances across all competitions so far for Borussia Dortmund. He will now be aiming to take another big step forward in his development this season.