Juventus: Weston McKennie could be the derby boost they need

Weston McKennie’s availability on Sunday evening could be crucial to a Juventus victory.

By the skin of their teeth, Juventus won their fourth game out of four to start 2021. One of those victories – and their most impressive of the bunch – was against Milan in a heated rivalry match between the winners of nine straight Scudetti and the current Serie A leaders. Juve won 3-1 behind a brace from Federico Chiesa, and they were able to avoid letdown performances afterwards against Sassuolo and Genoa, though they did need extra time to beat the latter in the Coppa Italia Round of 16.

This Sunday, Juventus will face bitter rivals Inter Milan in the Derby d’Italia. The Bianconeri haven’t been at their most convincing and are still behind Inter in the league table, but they will like their chances of winning another match at the San Siro this season. And they have another big derby win under their belts in 2020-2021, too, as they completed a late comeback against Torino to win the Derby Della Mole.

Weston McKennie played a starring role in that win over Torino, scoring a 77th-minute equalizer for the Zebras. Likewise, he scored in Juve’s rivalry win over Milan, making his mark as a substitute who put in a great 26 minutes.

According to Romeo Agresti, McKennie and fellow young star Chiesa will be available for Juventus against Inter this weekend.

Weston McKennie has quietly become Juventus’ star man in midfield

If McKennie is healthy enough to start, then Andrea Pirlo absolutely has to start him. McKennie is definitely Juve’s best midfielder right now. Whereas Rodrigo Bentancur has taken a step back this season, Adrien Rabiot has quietly declined again, and Arthur Melo has failed to get settled, McKennie has hit the ground running.

The American has three goals in all competitions, providing more goal-scoring threat than some fans may have anticipated. Juventini have, of course, been most impressed with his intelligent movement, work rate, and willing defending. McKennie is truly a well-rounded midfielder for the Bianconeri, and his performances put him at a class above his teammates in the middle of the park, which has been a problem area for Juve.

Inter take no prisoners in midfield with the likes of Marcelo Brozovic. McKennie will be needed to add attacking impetus and hard-fought defense to the side. Nobody else on the Old Lady can replicate what McKennie brings to the table.

He’s clutch, too. McKennie has shown he can raise his game in the derbies, and he is the kind of player who was made for derbies with his heart and determination. Hearing word of his good health is incredibly encouraging news for Juventini, because McKennie could very well be the man who wins the match for the Bianconeri this Sunday at the San Siro.