USMNT: Weston McKennie is absolutely thriving at Juventus
By Daniel Garza
USMNT’s Weston McKennie has continued to impress at Juventus
It’s been a fantastic last few days for United States Men’s National Team midfielder Weston McKennie. The 22-year-old USMNT star has scored in back-to-back matches for Juventus and is proving he belongs at the iconic Serie A club. After his big-time transfer to Juventus in the summer from Schalke, McKennie has been performing very well for one of the world’s top clubs.
Crucial goals
McKennie’s two goals for Juventus this season have come in recent matches against Torino and Barcelona. The goal against Torino was a crucial moment in the match as it leveled the scoreline and paved the way to victory. Juventus were in need of all three points in this fixture and McKennie delivered when the club were in need of a goal to start the comeback.
Golazo of the day goes to Weston McKennie!
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) December 8, 2020
Top 5 goals ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/cVgw9JB9Wb
Against Barcelona, McKennie scored a top-class goal to double Juventus’ advantage in a match that saw the Italian club climb to the top spot in their group. It was the midfielder’s second career UEFA Champions League goal and his first for Juventus in the continental competition. To have a USMNT player score in such a crucial Champions League fixture against one of the world’s most iconic clubs is a testament to the bright future McKennie has ahead of him.
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A successful move to Juventus
The move to Juventus is paying off for McKennie as he has been receiving plenty of playing time for one of Europe’s best clubs. Upon arrival at Juventus, it was unclear if he would be making regular appearances right from the start with his new club.
However, the answer to that question has already been answered as consistent appearances have indeed come in both Serie A and the Champions League.
Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo has played McKennie in five of the six Champions League group stage matches Juventus played.
This shows the confidence that the Juventus coaching staff have in playing McKennie in crucial matches. McKennie has certainly taken advantage of these opportunities. According to Football Reference, he ranks seventh on the team interceptions and seventh in tackles. He’s making an impact both defensively and offensively for his new club.
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More Champions League action to come for the USMNT stars
McKennie, along with multiple other USMNT stars, have advanced with their respective clubs to the Champions League Round of 16. As the competition continues to evolve it will offer more opportunities for these young players to make an impact in the world’s premier soccer competition. McKennie will be one of the many USMNT players to watch when the knockout rounds kick off in February.