Didn’t Say Anything, You Battled” – Thierry Henry Lauds Weston McKennie for Overcoming Major Disadvantage at Juventus

The no.8 role in soccer represents a midfielder who plays more offensively than a No. 6 but less forward than a No. 10, while also contributing defensively. In simpler terms, they have more freedom going up and down the central areas of the pitch. Weston McKennie has been granted that freedom under Thiago Motta, which was evident in Juventus’ fixture against Manchester City in the Champions League.

During his time under former manager Massimiliano Allegri, the 26-year-old spent the majority of his time playing as a wingback where he’d often move into midfield to provide more defensive coverage. Now back to his favored position, the American ‘received his flowers’ from soccer legend Thierry Henry for his performances against City. 

“Last year, you passed the whole year playing as a wingback, you didn’t say anything, you battled it, this year you’re playing in the position that I think suits you better,” Henry told McKennie in a post-match interview for CBS. Coming on as a substitute, McKennie combined with USMNT teammate Tim Weah to score a superb volley, giving the Bianconeri a 2-0 lead, and winning the match. 

“Being in that position, the (no.) 8 position, I like whenever I am not really contained, when I have the freedom to just, you know-, run and let my energy out because I’ll always be able to get back to my position, so I have a coach that you know-, allows me to do that and make my runs in behind and arrive late in the box, I have more opportunities,” says Weston McKennie. 

With Juventus facing a Manchester City side that has won just once in their last nine games, it was no surprise when the Serie A team leveled the playing field against the reigning Premier League champions. The win puts them 14th in the Champions League table with two more games to play. 

“Weston can do everything” – Thiago Motta speaks highly of the American midfielder

In a post-match interview, the head coach was full of praise for the midfielder, shouting out the impact he made after being brought on. “Weston can do everything, He has unusual physicality, but also great technique, knows when to time his runs, and can be even more dangerous when he comes in from behind, as we saw today and against PSV.”

Juventus’ second goal was historic, marking the first time in Champions League history that two Americans combined for a goal. Mauricio Pochettino will likely keep a close eye on the midfielder ahead of the upcoming January camp. 

For Weston McKennie, the goal couldn’t have come at a better time, especially after he recently spoke out about the bias toward Americans in Europe. Now with the ‘freedom’ that he has been given, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a regular for both club and country.