USMNT Must Unleash Weston McKennie's Game-Changing Versatility
Weston McKennie might not always be in the spotlight, but when he makes his mark, it's impossible to ignore.
Seven days ago, during Juventus's Champions League knockout playoff first leg against Galatasaray, McKennie operated in an advanced position. Playing the unusual role of striker, he managed to set up a goal despite a 5-2 loss. Just four days following that match, he returned to his right flank position, taking on the more familiar wingback duties for Serie A action.
Wednesday's second leg saw him begin at left back versus Galatasaray, though tactical structure collapsed entirely once center defender Lloyd Kelly received his marching orders. McKennie managed to net a scrappy headed goal that forced the match into additional time. He also came close to providing the decisive assist, only to watch that opportunity slip away. Though an exhausted Juventus ultimately succumbed in extra time, McKennie earned praise for his complete commitment.
While the outcome proved disappointing, it showcased once again that McKennie possesses complete versatility on the pitch - something he's demonstrated consistently over recent months. Prior to the European competition fixture, he recorded two assists operating as an attacking midfielder. The match before that saw him score with a header against Lazio while deployed as a forward.
"As long as I'm getting minutes, I'm content," he shared with FIFA's website ahead of the Club World Cup. "If you position me in goal and say I'm starting, I'll take it on. At least I'm on the pitch and I simply want to perform my best to support the squad and secure victories.
The versatile player is accomplishing exactly that, finding form at the perfect moment, with just months remaining before the U.S. men's national squad aims to deliver an exceptional World Cup performance for their domestic supporters.
However, whether representing club or country, McKennie's journey hasn't been without complications, despite his current excellent form.
From Unwanted to Irreplaceable
From Unwanted to Irreplaceable
This season had to mark the turning point.
It became routine at Juventus for Weston McKennie to lose management support. Whether facing a new coach preferring alternative options or an existing one questioning if different personnel might prove superior, every manager seemed eager to part ways with McKennie. On one occasion, this actually occurred. McKennie experienced a loan spell with Leeds United in 2023 before returning to Juventus.
Currently, McKennie serves as a flexible squad member whom manager Luciano Spalletti trusts to perform effectively in any position across the field. He has become so indispensable that following winter speculation about potential Premier League transfers or even MLS moves after the 2026 World Cup, he's now reportedly close to signing an extension keeping him in Turin until 2030.
McKennie, as it happens, is a competitor who simply refuses to surrender.
MCKENNIE. AGAIN.
WESTON KEEPS JUVE'S #UCL CAMPAIGN ALIVE ‼️pic.twitter.com/f006DUAayt
"I'm amazed by how frequently people write him off repeatedly," U.S. midfield partner Tyler Adams commented on his The Captain with Tyler Adams podcast. "This player, when facing adversity, becomes a dangerous version of Weston. For me, it's completely expected. Weston is simply an exceptionally gifted footballer. Period.
"He's capable of playing every position on the pitch. He can match up against anybody. Need him at center back? He'll handle center back. Need him finding the net? He'll find the net. That's Weston. He's consistently arrived in dangerous areas, excels aerially and has always been a goal threat. This doesn't surprise me."
Beyond McKennie's extension, Juventus reportedly hopes to retain Spalletti as head coach despite his contract expiring this summer. It seems he'll remain. If not, his successor would be smart to trust what the evidence shows regarding McKennie rather than continuing the pattern.
U.S. Provides Another Manager to Win Over
U.S. Provides Another Manager to Win Over
McKennie has remained a consistent presence with the U.S. national squad—even during challenging periods like when he violated Covid protocols early in the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
He now presents a more seasoned image, but current manager Mauricio Pochettino has only selected him for one camp since the U.S. exited the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in March.
During that period, the U.S. coach explained the exclusions were due to McKennie's need to establish himself at Juventus and that he understood what McKennie brought to the team. There's little question that, barring injury, the 27-year-old will make the final roster.
But what role will he occupy in the lineup? While McKennie can function as a wingback, the U.S. possesses solid depth there. Adams should claim the central midfield spot, and Christian Pulisic will operate as a number 10. Despite McKennie's creative unpredictability, Pulisic's conventional flair will likely be prioritized. In Pochettino's preferred formation, there's a position alongside Pulisic that operates as a secondary 10. That could be ideal for McKennie, though it's more attacking than his typical U.S. role.
3 - Weston #McKennie (10) is the third Juventus midfielder to score at least 10 goals in Champions League/European Cup, after Michel Platini (17) and Pavel Nedved (11). Olympus.#JuveGalatasaray #UCL pic.twitter.com/euUgAkMRjQ
The difficulty for Pochettino lies in his desire to maintain team structure, particularly during defensive phases where McKennie can contribute to the team's defensive shape.
"He can be a crucial player for us, but I believe it's about having someone who can read every game situation, understanding the responsibility when we lose possession to find our optimal organization that's more disciplined, structured because we must respect our positions but when we have possession," Pochettino explained during an October press conference after McKennie started in a creative role against Ecuador.
Truly, Pochettino's inclination might be to simply unleash Wes and allow him freedom. "What I want to give him is liberty," the manager stated.
The Right Moment
The Right Moment
At 27 years old, McKennie appears to be reaching his career peak. This represents a relatively fresh experience for U.S. supporters. The national team's icons have often been late developers who progressed through collegiate systems, like Clint Dempsey joining Fulham in his mid-twenties, or never maintained European success like Landon Donovan.
Others participated in various early phases of American soccer development, whether indoor soccer, 1994's experiment maintaining the national team as a club unit, or other unique developmental moments.
McKennie rejected FC Dallas's senior team opportunity to move to Schalke at 18, meaning he's competed in elite European football for almost ten years. That club's requirement for a flexible player helped McKennie develop many abilities he's currently displaying weekly with Juventus and internationally.
He now possesses what's necessary: Trust from the national team coach, club stability and opportunities to contribute differently each game while helping his team. If he can maintain this combination approaching summer, McKennie will be unmissable for the U.S. He'll be omnipresent.