The Borussia Dortmund Benchwarmer’s Playbook
By Joseph Meyer
Gio Reyna is a curious player. As a fan of the USMNT, I can tell you the kid is talented, yet he’s been unable to demonstrate that talent outside of the international breaks. We’ve seen brief strokes of brilliance and late winners from Gio while he’s been at Borussia Dortmund, but his consistency has always been lacking.
Reyna tried to turn his career around with a loan to Nottingham Forest for the back half of last season, but it did little to revitalize his career. In fact, he barely played, making just ten appearances with a solitary assist. But as I’ve mentioned, Gio is talented AND he’s young, which is a very promising concoction. Why hasn’t it worked out at Borussia Dortmund? I’m not quite sure. Why is it still not working? I don’t know… But this season could change everything if the young American can find both form and consistency enough to impress in training. Otherwise, he’ll be an unused substitute for most of the campaign.
Ramy Bensebaini’s influence is within Nuri Sahin and Borussia Dortmund’s plans for this season, mostly because there is a lack of depth in the position with failed pursuits of several left-back options, and the decision to let the up-and-coming Tom Rothe leave for Union Berlin.
It’s the hope of the club, and fans, that the Algerian can improve his form and be a reliable defender on the left side. But Nuri Sahin has shown as recently as the cup match against Phönix Lübeck, that he doesn’t necessarily need a traditional left-back for a strong line-up, with Süle, Anton, and Schlotterbeck forming a back three. Then there’s Julian Ryerson, who is incredibly versatile and can play on either side. Additionally, Yan Couto has been signed to bolster the defence. While he’s right-footed, he’ll likely still provide competition for a starting place.
It’s also worth noting Bensebaini has played very little competitive football in the last six months, coming off an injury. But make no mistake, he will get his chances this Hindrunde. He’ll have the easiest opportunity to prove he deserves to be here, but his performances will speak the loudest.