VfB Stuttgart head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo says he is “looking forward to meeting” Borussia Dortmund starlet and fellow American Gio Reyna for the first time when the two teams meet on Matchday 11, saying the 18-year-old has “enormous potential”.

Matarazzo is approaching the one-year anniversary of his time in the Stuttgart hotseat, having taken charge on 30 December last year.

Since then the New Jersey native has overseen 26 league matches with the side, winning 11, drawing eight and losing just seven, having also steered the side to promotion as Bundesliga 2 runners-up at the end of 2019/20.

Watch: Matarazzo on Reyna

The first American-born full-time head coach in Germany’s top flight, Matarazzo’s Stuttgart have been one of the surprise packages of the new Bundesliga campaign too, sitting eighth in the table after a 2-1 triumph away to Werder Bremen on Matchday 10.

It is an upward trajectory that mirrors that of Reyna, whose impressive displays since breaking into the starting line-up this term earned him a new long-term contract at Dortmund, as well as a first senior cap for the United States men’s national team.

Ahead of Stuttgart’s trip to Dortmund on Matchday 11, Matarazzo admitted he is a big admirer of his young compatriot.

“He’s a fantastic player with enormous potential,” the 43-year-old told bundesliga.com. “I like seeing how he develops. He’s quick on the ball, very sharp, good movement. I like him. I look forward to seeing him.”

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