I don't doubt it, but from watching him a bit over the past couple of years, I think Gio is one of those guys who only really gets game fit in games. Hopefully he can keep his level where it is over the break, but he's had a lot of hours to get up to >55 min fitness in training, and I just feel like he's a guy (like a lot of pros btw) who only really gets it going in a game situation. Hopefully, a lot of closed door friendlies for Gio, but if I controlled the circus, I'd give him a few more real full competitive games before the break. But alas... I control the remote (when alone) and the water dispenser and little else.
Not even the thermostat?? He's been fit for a few months now. If he stays fit for a few more months, he's in uncharted waters, career-wise. He's still building his foundation, and what's possible for him and his body, which 5 years on is a bit... disappointing. Long way to go, and full of potential and pitfalls and potential pitfalls
I agree. Fitness work is great but I think he’s really benefitting from extended minutes at high game intensity.
That's the kinda stuff he was flashing early in his career in Dortmund, it's been a while. So freaking good to see. He just needs to somehow stay healthy now. If he can do that, and continue building his fitness, he will start getting on the scoresheet. He's got too much quality not to.
Needed to put that right foot pass to the right side 18 when he had the (tiny) window. Two players all alone. Just hope he keeps getting chances.
He wasn't a speed demon there but also didn't look slow kind of average speed which should scuttle the he's the slowest guy in the league talk.
Below average speed for an attacking midfielder, imo. His main competition at Gladbach is probably Neuhaus and he is of similar speed. So, there is that.
He had a couple other really nice attacking moments where he fed his teammates. One was a perfect early cross that hit the 9s forehead in stride while making a near post run. He missed, but easily could have been an assist. He had some good defensive moments, too. I'm positive he'll keep getting chances.
Shambolic defending for BMG thus far. Down 3-1 still in the first half. Missing Scally back there. Reyna not with a big impact but to be fair BMG have had very little of the ball.
Forgot to mention that! It was a very nice ball. He really forced that own goal with the cross with good pace and swerve, which the defender accidentally flicked onto goal with a defensive header under pressure. The defender pleaded for a foul, but the ref reviewed and it was clean.
Sander (playing where Scally otherwise might slot in) has been putrid. Including getting embarrassingly outmuscled to give up the fist goal. Reyna increasingly involved in the second half, including some active pressure on defense. BMG looking a bit better, but way too many needless giveaways (not Reyna) that make it hard to consistently mount an attack.
Reyna vs Wolfsburg Oof, not good from the whole BMG team. Seemed overmatched from the opening whistle and never gained control of the game (turned it off when Reyna was subbed at 57') Overall Reyna really not involved much in the game offensively, barely saw the ball and outside of 1-2 moments didn't really do much progressively. (not on him, just the way the game was setup) His highlights were the 2 solid shoulder-shoulder defensive takeaways in the 1st half, really got his body in to dispossess. Pleasantly surprised.. had 3-4 fouls but not from the overly aggressive way, all kinda clumsy style (if that makes sense) With the ball pretty cautious and slow. Did have the cross into the box that led to the OG and then in the 2nd half drove the ball into the box and tried to drop shoulder but dragged it out of bounds. he was trying to make a play but ended up to be the wrong decision. Love that he got the start. Down 3-1 they needed a spark off the bench and Reyna was looking pretty tired.
Good to hear. I thought it was sort of mediocre game for him, but he was almost never central — always out by the touch line. And I don’t think he is as good when he isn’t wandering looking for the important spaces.
Missed that. I saw before the game Polanski had an interview where he said was pleased with how Gio’s training has been coming along and the things he provides on the pitch, which is a little different than Neuhaus. Wolfsburg was a tough match to hand out praise to anyone other than Wolfsburg.