It’s a sad reality that not everything works out the way one hopes and Weston McKennie knows this all too well. The USMNT star had high expectations when he joined. However, his time at the club hasn’t gone as planned, with the past four years marred by injuries and loan moves. Despite this, the midfielder managed to return to Turin rather than leaving, focusing on keeping his ‘head down’ and working hard to earn his place.

To brief you about McKennie’s situation, the summer of 2020 saw him join Juventus on a loan deal, with the Old Lady eventually signing the 26-year-old on a permanent deal from Schalke 04 the following year. However, he failed to make an impact at the Allianz Stadium in a couple of seasons, forcing the Serie A side to send him to Leeds United on a six-month loan during the 22/23 January transfer window.

Since his short stint in England ended, McKennie has returned to Italy last summer, even though he was about to leave. Time after time, he has been able to prove himself in the team, making fans realize how crucial a role he plays for the Turin side. In a discussion with CBS Sports Golazo‘s Serie A coverage crew, when asked what it means to prove his worth in the team, McKennie began responding, “It’s something that I count on, kind of like at the same time.”

“Also, it’s missing a bit of accountability and missing ‘Oh, I feel so important. They count me on all the time.’ But at the same time, it allows me to go back to what I do best: put my head down, work, and prove people wrong. That’s what I enjoy doing,” said Weston, insisting all he cares is about working for himself and his team while not focusing on the talk.

So far, the former Dallas Academy midfielder has managed to make 9 appearances in Serie A and 4 in the UEFA Champions League, notching a goal in each of the competitions and a couple of assists in the domestic league. More recently, since having played in the stalemate vs AC Milan, he has missed the next two Serie A clashes against Leece and Bologna due to muscle fatigue.

Then again, judging by the optimism of McKennie, we reckon he’ll be back with a bang. Of course, he should, considering the predicament his side is facing on the domestic front.

Weston McKennie needs to step up for a ‘troubled’ Juventus side

Alessandro Del Piero recently delivered a subtle awakening call for Juventus over their continued vague domestic performances. The former Italian striker expressed concern about the injured stars, with McKennie being one of them. “They’re in trouble, definitely, because they don’t have all the players,” said Del Piero in the aftermath of the 2-2 draw over Bologna as Andrea Cambiaso also picked up an injury.

Things haven’t been good for Juventus since the beginning of this season. Though they remain the only team in Serie A who are unbeaten this season, having played 15 matches so far, Thiago Motta’s side does sit in sixth place in the league, seven points behind leaders Atalanta. Apparently, spoils and draws are making things worse for Juve.

Therefore, it only makes it crucial for someone like McKennie to help his side navigate all the challenges they are facing.