McKennie's Stellar Display Signals Dramatic Position Switch on the Horizon
Weston McKennie has been praised as the "ideal central forward" by Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti following a standout individual display that helped secure a commanding 3–0 victory over Serie A titleholders Napoli.
The Italian tactician was especially eager to highlight the qualities that made McKennie such a threat in Sunday's triumph, marking his seventh different role across 21 league matches in the 2025–26 campaign.
"He battles, he's dominant aerially and possesses great leap," Spalletti explained. "He competes for outcomes because he's decisive. He would make an ideal forward."
McKennie's revival as a crucial figure for Juventus has generated discussions about a possible contract extension in Turin, mere months after suggestions that he would need to depart the club to secure more consistent playing time—potentially heading back to MLS when his deal concludes in June.
McKennie's renaissance will undoubtedly have attracted the attention of USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who continues tracking the development of all his squad members while preparing for this summer's World Cup.
Now boasting five goals and four assists in all competitions, McKennie has especially excelled in the Champions League, forming a remarkable partnership with fellow Concacaf talent Jonathan David in recent matches—he netted the opener against Napoli for his fifth goal involvement in his past five appearances. Kenan Yıldız and Filip Kostić provided the finishing touches in what became a dominant Juventus victory.
Partnership With David Flourishing
Partnership With David Flourishing
Juventus have found their rhythm since naming Spalletti as manager on Oct. 30, 2025, collecting 12 victories from 18 matches in all competitions. Their Serie A progress has been remarkable—they sit fifth with 42 points, 10 behind table-toppers Inter Milan—and are now firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification places.
However, few players have enjoyed as much recent success as McKennie and David. The Canadian, specifically, has flourished since a December report indicated he felt disconnected from his colleagues, with his current scoring streak taking him to six goals and four assists.
"David demonstrated his ability to compete in tight box situations where space is limited, so it must be created from the opposition," Spalletti noted. "When you commit fully to those instances, it's effective, but you must reach them. He found the net like a true striker."
Both McKennie and David are anticipated to play pivotal roles at the 2026 World Cup this summer, with the USMNT and Canada co-hosting the tournament with Mexico, and they're counting on their remaining Serie A and Champions League fixtures to help them arrive in peak condition.
"Absolutely, I'm developing this season... I can genuinely sense that progression, not only personally but also as part of the squad," David stated, mentioning that his penalty miss against Lecce in his opening 2026 match served as motivation. "For me, that marked the catalyst. From that point, a significant growth period started. I've consistently felt the manager's trust in me, and that translates on the field.
Jonathan David battles through the Napoli defence and slots it past Meret! @juventusfcen take the lead! 🔥#JuveNapoli 1-0 pic.twitter.com/cnqghHdl7p
"I recognize that I haven't met expectations. I remain patient, but Juventus cannot afford to be because outcomes cannot wait. I'm working to accelerate the process."
Beyond their exceptional recent performances, the duo's chemistry has also been noteworthy, with the Canadian introducing the now popular espresso-drinking celebration alongside McKennie, Yıldız and Pierre Kalulu.
"The celebration was something we conceived today, rather spontaneously," he explained. "You pour the coffee and then enjoy it together."
Riding high on three victories in their previous five Serie A fixtures, the Bianconeri now turn their focus to a Feb. 1 encounter with Parma and U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year Benjamin Cremaschi. Prior to that, though, they aim to improve their Champions League standing with their eighth tournament match against USMNT forward Folarin Balogun's Monaco on Jan. 28.