What USMNT star Weston McKennie must do to become a ‘game-changer’ as American coach Jesse Marsch offers advice to Juventus midfielder

The 25-year-old appeared destined to be deemed surplus to requirements in Turin after being allowed to link up with Leeds on loan in the winter transfer window of 2023. He did little to restore his reputation during a forgettable spell at Elland Road that delivered relegation out of the Premier League.

McKennie has, however, seen the slate wiped clean back in Italy and has grabbed an unexpected opportunity with both hands – becoming a key man for club and country. American coach Jesse Marsch, who took the versatile midfielder to Leeds, has told the ‘Call It What You Want’ podcast for CBS Sports of what McKennie needs to do in order to hit even greater heights: “Next I think it's just continuing to play a big role in the team, to keep himself fit, to become more and more of a leader, to take more responsibility in how the game plays out and not just focus on exactly what his role is but how to also be the guy in the team that wants the ball, that wants to be the game-changer and he's really close. I think he's playing a big role in Juventus and like I said, I think that's been a big part of why they've been successful and why Weston's fit in so well with [Massimiliano] Allegri, the team and everything else.”

McKennie has silenced plenty of doubters at Juventus, with Marsch adding on why he has won sceptics over in Serie A: “I think they're talking about his fitness level, they're talking about his productivity around the box and helping set up attacking plays and then also his responsibility and intelligence to help out the team defensively. It's crazy. When you watch him in the match, he's in the defensive box. The next moment, he's in the offensive box. He's chasing, he's running, he's winning duels, he's taking throw-ins, he's winning duels on corner kicks and free-kicks so he's playing a big part of the success of Juve this year and it's great to see him playing at such a high level.”

McKennie’s next cap for the USMNT will be his 50th at senior level, with there every chance that a notable international landmark will be reached at the CONCACAF Nations League finals – before the United States then fill the role of hosts at the 2024 Copa America.