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While highs and lows are an inevitable part of football, Weston McKennie seems to be trapped in a never-ending rollercoaster since setting foot at Juventus.
The American’s unusual story with the Old Lady dates back to the agonizing COVID-19 period. The Bundesliga was the first top European league to resume action on the pitch. Then-Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici had little to do at the time but scout interesting talent in the German top flight. A young Schalke midfielder caught his attention.
A few months later, the kid from Texas suddenly found himself in the same team room as Cristiano Ronaldo. Legendary Italian defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were now his teammates, and the iconic Andrea Pirlo was his head coach.
From Schalke to Juventus to Leeds
At the age of 21, this was arguably a jubilant but equally terrifying change for McKennie. Nevertheless, the midfielder still produced the goods at first, before losing some of the early momentum as the season progressed, similar to Juve’s declining form under Pirlo.
Over the next two years, the midfielder kept blowing hot and cold, scoring goals and delivering solid displays now and then, while appearing lost on other occasions. This period also saw the player encountering trouble off the pitch, like breaching COVID-19 restrictions by hosting a poker party that included Paulo Dybala and Arthur Melo or getting kicked out from the national team’s camp for some ill-advised behavior.
Two and half seasons into his time in Turin, it appeared that McKennie’s time at Juventus had finally drawn to an end when the midfielder signed for Leeds United on loan with an option and obligation to buy in January 2023.
However, the American’s stint at Elland Road turned out to be both brief and miserable, culminating in the club’s relegation to the Championship. After failing to avoid the drop, the Whites had no intention to keep McKennie who failed to endear himself to…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/weston-mckennie-emerges-again-as-comeback-star-of-juventus/
Author : Michel Sakr
Publish date : 2024-10-05 16:00:00
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