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Juventus manager Thiago Motta is reportedly using Weston McKennie in a new position during training. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the United States men’s national star is being deployed as a winger in practice sessions. McKennie typically features in the middle of the pitch as a central midfielder.
The American’s future was previously up in the air for most of the summer. McKennie was linked with a plethora of teams throughout the transfer market. A switch to Premier League side Aston Villa was seemingly close back in June.
Juve was looking to use the USMNT star as bait to sign Douglas Luiz. While the Old Lady did manage to grab the Brazilian, they had to send other players to Villa instead. McKennie apparently could not agree on terms with the English club.
Despite seemingly being seen as surplus goods, Motta told reporters in August that McKennie is a “useful and functional player” for the club. The midfielder signed a new contract extension with Juve five days later. He is now tied down to the club until 2026.
McKennie may be switching roles to earn more playing time
Juve’s decision to give McKennie a new contract was surprising. After all, Motta has several stars available in central midfield. This includes Luiz, but also Manuel Locatelli, Khephren Thuram, and Nicolo Fagioli. New summer signing Teun Koopmeiners can also work in the middle of the pitch.
Partially because of this competition, McKennie has only managed to play one game so far this season for his club. The lone appearance came as a second-half substitute for Locatelli ahead of the international break. He has remained on the bench in Juve’s other three Serie A fixtures during the current campaign.
Motta, however, may now be looking to use McKennie in different positions to give the American more playing time. While the USMNT star does not have much experience as a true winger, he has previously played out wide before. Former Juve manager Max Allegri…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/juves-motta-contemplates-using-mckennie-in-new-position/
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-09-17 17:11:21
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