Weston McKennie had a solid day at wing-back as he started in a Juventus win over Fiorentina.
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McKennie startsPlays wing-back with Weah outBianconeri up to second in Serie A
With Tim Weah out of action for the time being, the Juve midfielder moved out wide into the wide role, putting in a great performance. The U.S. men's national team star carried his good form back to the position, too, making his mark on a 1-0 win at Fiorentina.
GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
It was a game that saw Juventus take the lead and never look back. The Turin side dominated, and there was nothing Fiorentina could do.
The winning strike was a special one for boyhood Juventus fan-turned-midfielder Fabio Miretti, who scored his first goal for the club he's been with since he was eight years old. The assist came from Filip Kostic, who broke through on the left before finding the Youngster. The midfielder hit a first-time finish, and Juventus took that goal and ran all the way to three big points away from home.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Juve were without the services of Tim Weah, who has been sidelined with a thigh injury. As a result, McKennie started at wingback, as he had for a spell at the start of the season.
McKennie coming in for Weah was one of two changes made by Juventus, as the goalscorer Miretti came into the midfield with the USMNT star shifting out wide. The other saw striker Dusan Vlahovic moved to the bench in favor of Italian winger Federico Chiesa.
With the win, the Bianconei remain in second place, just two points behind league-leaders Inter. Juve are also four points ahead of third-place Milan, who lost to Udinese on Saturday, as well as five points ahead of fourth-place Napoli.
GettyUSMNT IMPACT
It doesn't matter where McKennie is playing, especially if he keeps performing at a high level.
With Weah out, it was only natural that the USMNT midfielder would be shifted back to wing-back, so there's no need to panic on that front. Either way, he's been good in that spot this season, so it's not the worst thing for him. He eventually shifted into midfield, too, once Juve made second-half subs.
With the national team, McKennie will be a key piece in midfield, especially with Tyler Adams still out, so as long as he's fit and in good form, Gregg Berhalter and co. will be more than happy.
GettyGOAL'S RATINGS
Weston McKennie (7/10):
The type of performance that shows why he's back in the team. The American did all of the hard work and showcased all the effort, making his presence known all over the field. It hasn't mattered where McKennie has played this season as he's been one of Juve's more consistent performers at wing-back and in midfield.
