Three Keys to a Borussia Dortmund win vs Bayer Leverkusen

Start Gio Reyna

The American’s return from an injury-riddled 2021-22 has shown immense promise. Following his latest stunner vs Augsburg, and a clutch stoppage time winner vs Mainz, the 20-year-old is fueled by the desire to silence various critics back home and focus on setting a marker for potentially his best spell at the club to date. BVB fans have been craving a proper spell of good health for Gio and it seems that the time has now come. A fully fit Gio Reyna is a dangerous attacking asset who is capable of unlocking the most stubborn of defensive postures and possesses an elite level of creativity on the ball.

His positional versatility is another reason why there really is no excuse at this point for an exclusion from the starting XI on Sunday. Regardless of whether Terzic opts for Adeyemi, Malen, Bynoe-Gittens, or Reus, there needs to be a space carved out for what Reyna provides. Remove the shackles and allow him to orchestrate intricate one-two’s around the Leverkusen defensive third with Jude Bellingham from the opening whistle instead of deploying him as a desperation call when the first 60 minutes of wing play is bone dry.

Proper utilization of talent will always be a mark of quality in management. The significance of this trait is highlighted all the more during high-profile encounters. It’s a box that cannot afford to be left unchecked by Edin Terzic if he hopes to steal crucial away points and keep pace with both Bayern and RB Leipzig.

Xabi Alonso will preach the importance of pressing a shaky Borussia Dortmund backline, but in doing so there will no doubt be opportunities for the likes of Gio Reyna to capitalize where others haven’t in recent fixtures.