“Such a special player”: Juventus boss Thiago Motta lauds Weston McKennie’s unique qualities

Juventus and U.S. Men’s National team player Weston Mckennie has been the talk of the town in recent days after receiving heaps of praise from his club manager, Thiago Motta. He put in an exceptional performance in the Old Lady’s 2-1 win over PSV in the UEFA Champions League playoff on Tuesday. He also became the only fifth U.S. international to score a goal in the competition.

Praising highly of the player after the game, Motta said, ” Weston is special, he is a great player, a great guy. He has played fullback, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder, and winger. He’s a top-level player. ” McKennie‘s choice to start the game as an attacking midfielder paid off as he scored the game’s opening goal from the edge of the penalty area. It was his fifth goal of the season in his 28th game, in which Motta has used him in nearly every position.

” When I say that a top-level player can play everywhere, it’s because I know what I’m talking about. I’ve been in football for many years. When you ask where players should play, it’s not something that concerns me,” added Motta. At the start of the season, McKennie was linked to a move away from Turin but now has become one of the first names on the team sheet with his versatility, work rate and timely goal contributions.

” Weston plays everywhere, and he has to be on the field. It’s hard for me to leave him out. Maybe not as a goalkeeper, but in every other position, it’s difficult to put him on the bench. That’s what being a top-level player means, ” said Juventus boss Motta. The 26-year-old is having what may be his greatest Serie A season to date, and he was even selected as captain for the first time in his career in their last Champions League group match.

There are reports that the Juventus management are very close to striking a new deal with the USMNT player. McKennie was signed by the Italian giants in 2020 for a sum of 18.5 million euros from Bundesliga side FC Schalke04. He signed a contract extension in August 2024, which saw his stay at the club till 2026.

McKennie and Motta will continue to concentrate on their hectic schedule in the interim, as high-flying Inter Milan will visit the Allianz Stadium on Sunday. Juve may overtake Lazio and move up to fourth place in Serie A with a victory.