Juventus: A timely reminder of Weston McKennie’s value

There’s no denying that the prestige of a certain exuberant American had started to demise well before Juventus‘ preparations for the Coppa Italia final had begun.

Unwise antics off the field combined with unproductivity on it had seen Weston McKennie‘s debut season, one that promised so much, fade into obscurity amid the Bianconeri’s recent rut.

Signed on an initial loan deal from Schalke last summer, the Texan-born midfielder took Calcio by storm throughout the first half of 2020/21. He impressed on Andrea Pirlo’s coaching debut against Sampdoria and persistently provided a distinct source of energy from various roles in the vibrant early-season iteration of Il Maestro’s Bianconeri.

However, his decline in influence – that started before his ill-advised party hosting in April – as of late has been stark. Just one of his eight goal contributions in all competitions this season arrived pre-March (before the final, of course).

Wednesday’s final, though, handed McKennie the opportune stage to rediscover his early-season form and, to an extent, win over the hearts and minds of Juventini once more. He’d almost become a forgotten man in Turin despite his ebullience and infectious personality.

Nevertheless, it was a chance McKennie seized with unerring confidence.

An underrated performance

While Dejan Kulusevski’s magic and Federico Chiesa’s continued ascent to superstardom may have dominated the headlines as Juve claimed their 14th Coppa Italia crown, McKennie’s showing shouldn’t be overlooked.

The American was the protagonist in an immense out of possession display from Pirlo’s men. One of Juve’s best in this regard for a long time.

There was little by way of structural change, with McKennie performing his typical function in the 4-4-2 defensive shape. Lining up on the right-side of midfield, he was tasked with remaining compact, protecting the half-space on his side and thus screening passes into the crafty Matteo Passino and, in contrast, brutish Duvan Zapata. McKennie’s shrewd positioning would force Jose Luis Palomino’s or Marten de Roon’s (those two typically occupied the left centre-back zone) to pass out wide to Robin Gosens which triggered both McKennie and Juan Cuadrado to press. Juve effectively used the touchline as an extra defender throughout.

The proficiency of Atalanta down the flanks meant McKennie’s function was pivotal, and he performed it with the utmost diligence. The 22-year-old’s four combined tackles and interceptions ranked fourth among the Juve starters.

Return of the press

McKennie’s defensive effort was a microcosm of a coherent collective showing from the Bianconeri. Faced up against an idiosyncratic attacking juggernaut, Juve pressed bravely and smartly, wisely picking their moments (triggers) of increased intensity.

The American, meanwhile, was particularly key in disrupting the rhythm of La Dea through his Duracell bunny-like energy and freakish tenacity. He was almost given a free hand at times, especially in counter-pressing scenarios, with Pirlo letting him off the leash to maraud, roam and destroy – N’Golo Kante style.

That’s what he provides. That’s McKennie’s value.

Room for improvement

McKennie’s assist for Kulusevski’s majestic opener was the highlight of an otherwise mixed performance in possession.

He frustrated in transition, while his 67% pass completion depicts a display that certainly wasn’t bereft of unforced errors. Instead, it was his astute movement that caught the eye – as it so often does. The American’s flexible function meant he took up positions between the lines and in the right half-space, while he frequently sought to penetrate in behind Atalanta’s man-oriented back three in the opening period. Such surges were imperative in opening up space for the likes of Kulusevski.

McKennie’s understanding and relationship with the Swede and right-back Juan Cuadrado, meanwhile, ensured his side had relative success at progressing the ball down the right flank. The trio often created triangles to bypass pressure, with their positional play harmonious for the most part.

Overall, there was a refreshing subtlety to McKennie’s performance in the Coppa Italia final during which his finest attributes were laid bare.

The 22-year-old’s certainly endured a dip in what’s been an otherwise hugely promising debut season and Wednesday night supplied further evidence of the American’s destined importance to this imperfect Juventus going forward.