Joseph Paintsil has opened up on what it has been like sharing a dressing room with former Borussia Dortmund icon Marco Reus at LA Galaxy, describing the experience as a dream unfolding before his eyes.
Reus completed a high-profile move to Major League Soccer in early 2025, bringing an end to a glittering spell of more than a decade in the Bundesliga with Dortmund. Since his arrival in Los Angeles, the German star has quickly made his presence felt, not just through his performances but also through his football intelligence and leadership.
Paintsil, who has spent several months playing alongside Reus, admits he has been struck by the former Germany international’s sharpness and understanding of the game, qualities he believes separate elite players from the rest.
“Reus is, I don’t know how to describe him but he is a perfect example as midfielder and an attacker as well. He knows where exactly he has to put the ball immediately the ball gets to his feet. He is really intelligent,” he told 3 Sports.
For the Ghanaian forward, lining up with a player of Reus’ pedigree represents the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. Having grown up watching stars of the German’s calibre, Paintsil says the reality of being teammates still feels surreal.
“He has been in the league for so long at Borussia Dortmund. It is something I have always dreamt to play with those kind of players and my vision and my dreams are coming true especially me having Marco Rues on my team,” he added.
Beyond his technical brilliance, Paintsil also highlighted Reus’ maturity and influence off the ball, noting that his leadership is already rubbing off on the squad as Galaxy prepare for the new season. The upcoming campaign will mark Reus’ first full season in MLS, with expectations high around the club.
Paintsil, meanwhile, heads into the new term full of confidence after finishing last season as LA Galaxy’s leading scorer, even in what proved to be a difficult year for the 2024 champions. With Reus now settled and the team rebuilding momentum, the Ghana international is optimistic that brighter days lie ahead in Los Angeles.
