- 17 Nov 2024
Bryan Reynolds: The US prodigy following in McKennie’s footsteps at Juventus
James Shearman
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
- 4 min read
Juventus have completed the signing of 19-year-old American full-back Bryan Reynolds from FC Dallas for a fee in the region of €10 million, according to Italian reports.
However, the young Texan will not be playing in Turin for the foreseeable future, as Juventus have already signed the maximum of 2 non-EU players this season (Arthur and compatriot Weston McKennie).
Reynolds will instead spend the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Pippo Inzaghi’s Benevento, who currently sit 10th in Serie A.
Who is Bryan Reynolds?
Reynolds is an attack-minded full-back who progressed through the youth ranks at FC Dallas in MLS. He was part of the academy team that won a national title in 2016.
The 19-year-old signed his first professional contract shortly after the success and has since broken through into the first-team, starting 16 games in the 2020 season.
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Reynolds wasn’t always a full-back though, joining the squad as a winger primarily but converting to defence under the tutelage of former player Reggie Cannon.
“He had a great mentor in Reggie,” FC Dallas coach Luchi Gonzalez said. “He’s always been close with him and looking up to him.
“That’s why I’m not surprised he’s been able to step in and compete right away.”
Nevertheless, the 6’3 dynamic defender has maintained his attacking prowess in the more defensive role. The American showcased a consistent ability to create overlaps on the right side and whip crosses into the box, resulting in three assists in the league.
Despite being complimented for his pace and reading of the game, Reynolds’s desire to find himself in forward areas does mean that he can get caught out defensively at times.
Additionally, Juventus will be hoping that with higher quality European coaching, Reynolds’ will continue to grow into the right-back role and improve on the two main criticisms of his game: defensive positioning and sloppy, wayward passing.
Reynolds does not arrive from the United States with the same lofty expectations as some past transfers, such as Giovanni Reyna or Weston McKennie, but scouts around the world have taken a keen interest in Reynolds and in turn, FC Dallas’ youth system.
In fact, there are no doubts that Reynolds’ connection to current Juve star, McKennie, was a factor in the decision to sign the full-back. The pair played for some time together in the Dallas academy and McKennie’s rise to stardom has clearly given the Juve board proof that the MLS’ young stars can make it in the top leagues.
