The Talking Point: A first full look at Bryan Reynolds

Bryan Reynolds made the first start of his burgeoning Roma career in the 1-0 victory over Bologna, delivering a performance that showed encouraging signs of what is to come from the 19-year-old.

It’s been quite the month or so for Reynolds, who made his Roma debut in a 30-minute cameo against Parma on Matchday 27, represented the USMNT for the first time two weeks later, and was then handed a full debut on Sunday as the Giallorossi overcame Bologna.

For many, this will have been their first real sight of the youngster signed on an initial loan deal - with an obligation to buy if certain criteria are met - from FC Dallas at the end of January’s transfer window.

Reynolds arrived with an exciting reputation, one of the latest in a growing line of young American soccer exports looking to take Europe by storm in the same fashion as the likes of Christian Pulisic, Giovanni Reyna and Weston McKennie have all managed in recent years.

Filling in for Rick Karsdorp on the Roma right, Reynolds’ first appearance from the off - which made him the youngest American to start a Serie A match - didn’t exactly get off to a flyer, however, as he was nutmegged just three minutes into proceedings.

But his response was as immediate as it was impressive.

With Mitchell Dijks looking to go on the outside of Reynolds, his recovering slide tackle was emphatic to halt the Bologna man’s progress in the Roma half.

It was an early example of Reynold’s pace, which is clearly a major weapon in his arsenal; both in defence and attack.

It is this speed that allows him to make up any ground he leaves in behind when pushing forward to contribute in attacking areas, an important aspect of what is demanded by Paulo Fonseca’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

Reynold’s contribution going forward is something that he will no doubt improve upon further down the line, but there were moments of encouragement for what is to come.

His speed was once again on show just 10 minutes before half time as Reynolds and match winner Borja Mayoral exchanged passes in a swift counter attack, and it is this kind of transition that the American’s fleet of foot will be able to instigate.

Throughout his 76 minutes on the pitch, Reynolds tended to hug the touchline in a high starting position and although he operated on the edge of the game in both a literal and metaphorical sense, it’s testament to his performance that Musa Barrow - one of Bologna’s biggest threats - was kept unusually quiet up against the Roma rookie and was hauled off on the hour mark.

The American was also efficient in possession as he completed 81 percent of his passes, but he will surely be looking to more emphatically impress himself on fixtures in the long-term as he looks to offer serious competition to Karsdorp for his starting berth.

It must be remembered, however, that this was Reynolds’ satrting XI bow in one of Europe’s big five leagues and he will require patience while he continues to settle into new surroundings - as noted by his coach at the full time whistle.

“He’s learning a lot, he’s improving – but we cannot forget that he is still very young," said Fonseca. "He’s just joined a team in a completely different league, he’s going to need time. But today he played well."

With that said, he will surely be emboldened by a hugely encouraging display and very much should be for his role in a much changed Roma keeping a clean sheet and leaving with all three points.

That will serve both player and club well the more the Texan gets used to life in Roma, and has time on both the training ground and the pitch to aid his development.