The Champions League has finally returned, and with it, a few surprises included with the presence of USA Men's National Team players in Italy's Serie A. While the Italian clubs are not favorites to lift the trophy, there's always room for surprises. In this context, one player standing out is 26-year-old Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
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He has one clear mission: to beat the record of the most goals a USA player has ever scored in the Champions League. Currently, that achievement is held by Christian Pulisic with eight goals, but right behind him, McKennie has a voracious appetite to reach that milestone. By the way, his latest goal for Juventus puts him as the second-highest American scorer in the competition, passing DaMarcus Beasley and his five goals while inching closer and closer to Pulisic's record.
The Start of a New Season and an Important Goal
This season, McKennie's first goal in the Champions League opener against PSV came just 27 minutes into the match. He was left free inside the box to complete the move with accuracy-as the opportunity fell right from the middle of the opponents' defensive chaos. This goal gave Juventus not only the lead but also underlined McKennie's contribution at decisive moments.
It was, however, an important goal because it marked his first start of the season under management from Thiago Motta, having played only 23 minutes in this season's match-in a goalless draw against Roma. McKennie showed he is ready to be one of the protagonists of this Juventus team. His constant presence in attack and ability to show up at the right time make him a key protagonist in Juventus' ambitions both in Serie A and the Champions League.
McKennie's Relevance to USMNT
With Juve's brilliance in sight, McKennie's relevance to the USA shouldn't be understated. He is representative of the new breed of American players currently making their names across European leagues, and recent success in the Champions League cements his place as part of the leading pack in the national team. His performances stand to inspire other young American players who dream of making their careers abroad.
Worth noting, the USMNT has been investing a lot in nurturing talents; with such names as McKennie and Pulisic playing at a high level in Europe, USA soccer continues to get better and garner respect on the international stage.