Assessing Weston McKennie’s Versatility and Future Prospects

Weston McKennie’s value is challenging to quantify, primarily due to his lack of a defined position. This season, he has appeared in 22 matches, starting in five distinct roles: defensive midfielder, center midfielder, attacking midfielder, right back, and right wing back, amid various tactical systems. Traditionally, McKennie plays as a central midfielder—a box-to-box No. 8 adept at numerous tasks. However, this classification only scratches the surface of his capabilities. In fact, since the latter part of last season, his versatility has expanded even further, encompassing additional roles as a left back and left wing back.

New manager Luciano Spalletti leans towards a 3-4-2-1 formation, yet he too struggles to find a consistent position for McKennie, fluctuating between right wing back and right attacking midfield. This dynamic makes statistical assessments somewhat misleading. His tally of two assists in Serie A and two goals in the Champions League does not accurately represent his potential impact in the attacking third. When examining his defensive statistics, McKennie’s success in winning headers is notable—at 6 feet tall, this is expected—but his tackles, interceptions, and clearances rank below average among full backs yet are considerably higher among attacking midfielders.

The broader implication here is that McKennie’s proficiency across multiple roles complicates his evaluation in a statistics-driven environment.

A recurring theme in McKennie’s career is skepticism about his abilities, which tends to dissipate once managers evaluate him in practice. However, during his tenure at Juventus, this assessment process rarely stabilizes. Over six seasons, McKennie has played under six different coaches, none of whom remained for more than a full campaign, creating a climate of instability that hampers long-term assessment.

Juventus currently faces significant turmoil at the senior management level. Following a financial scandal and the departure of multiple sporting directors, the club has struggled to consistently recruit the right talent for years. Cristiano Ronaldo epitomized this issue, acquired for substantial sums based on his reputation rather than strategic fit, severely impacting the club’s finances in subsequent seasons.

This precarious environment poses challenges for new coaches trying to establish their preferred players. Consequently, McKennie often finds himself among the first candidates considered for transfer. Possibly due to his non-traditional fit, coaches frequently seek players who align neatly with their tactical vision. Ideally, Juventus football should be engaging, with the right players in each position; unfortunately, McKennie’s versatility has turned into a double-edged sword.

Reflecting on McKennie’s early career, it was evident he possessed the potential to become a top-tier center midfielder. His time at Schalke showcased his capabilities, and although his stint at Leeds was less successful, he still demonstrated a capacity for high-level play in that role.

While skill sets do not always correlate with longevity, many players evolve into versatile assets as they age. A pertinent comparison is James Milner, who transitioned from an elite wide midfielder at Leeds to a multifaceted player capable of performing various roles in his late 20s. Milner is now synonymous with versatility in football. Other midfielders, like Steven Gerrard and Federico Valverde, have similarly adapted to different positions throughout their careers.

However, both Milner and Gerrard solidified their roles by their mid-20s. McKennie, now 27, may need to identify a team that allows him to do the same.

But who would be the right fit for him? Last year, FC Cincinnati expressed interest and was prepared to offer significant compensation. An MLS move seems plausible; although it represents a step down from Serie A, McKennie could command a salary of around $10 million per season, play domestically, and quickly become one of the league’s standout players. This scenario seems advantageous.

Still, there appears to be a prevailing notion that a move to MLS might be several years away. For now, the focus remains on European opportunities. Past rumors linked him to Arsenal, while Aston Villa has surfaced as a potential suitor. Villa may be particularly appealing if they can woo him to Birmingham on a free transfer, given manager Unai Emery’s preference for high-energy midfielders and the need for a succession plan for the aging John McGinn. A return to the Premier League could be enticing, especially as Villa aims for European competition and is constrained by Profit and Sustainability Regulations, making budget-friendly acquisitions essential. Securing McKennie on a free could be an ideal solution.

Additionally, other European clubs might be interested in his services. The market consistently seeks capable center midfielders, and McKennie’s track record at Juventus is impressive. While Spanish football may not present the perfect fit, a return to the Bundesliga could make sense.

This summer is set to be challenging concerning transfers. McKennie’s contract expiration coincides with a unique moment, as many players are focusing on the World Cup. USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino’s relationship with McKennie raises some questions. He excluded McKennie from the November squad despite the midfielder being fit and available for friendlies against formidable South American teams, citing a desire for McKennie to gain minutes under his new Juventus manager, appointed a mere month prior. However, much of the Juventus squad was on international duty at that time—what precisely could he have accomplished in such solitude in Turin?

Reports have also surfaced indicating ambiguity regarding Pochettino’s perspective on McKennie. While the U.S. head coach has not publicly clarified the midfielder’s role, his recent squad selections and utilization patterns have often favored other players in similar positions, leaving McKennie’s standing ambiguous. Nonetheless, there is a strong case for his inclusion in the U.S. national team this summer, given his established performance record. McKennie played a crucial role in the U.S. midfield during the 2022 World Cup alongside Tyler Adams and Yunus Musah. His 2024 Copa América experience was somewhat overshadowed by comments regarding pitch conditions, though he was not directly blamed for the team’s early exit.

In conclusion, while McKennie’s future remains uncertain, there are clear indicators suggesting he should be part of the U.S. national setup this summer. What lies beyond that is shrouded in ambiguity.