Weston McKennie has become Juventus’ driving force under Spalletti, scoring 4 in 8 and thriving in multiple roles. Punters may back Juventus matches when McKennie starts and consider anytime-scorer or player-goals markets; his form increases the likelihood of goal involvement and boosts value in over/goal markets for Juve fixtures.
McKennie Emerges as Juventus’ Unsung Catalyst
Weston McKennie has gone from peripheral figure to central pillar at Juventus. After a summer loan exit that ended prematurely, the 27-year-old has returned to Turin and produced the best form of his career, scoring four times in eight matches this year and helping drive a clear upturn in results.
From Fringe to Fixture
McKennie’s Juventus journey has been punctuated by doubt and departure rumours, yet time and again he has forced his way back into the team. Now he appears indispensable under Luciano Spalletti, who has reshaped the side to exploit the midfielder’s versatility and intensity.
Tactical Role and Positioning
Spalletti’s tactical philosophy — the notion that modern football is governed by space and timing rather than rigid systems — perfectly suits McKennie. The American operates as a position-less player, regularly filling wing-backs, full-back, midfield and even attacking roles. Under Spalletti he has most often started on the right, given freedom to drift inside, link play and act as a secondary striker when Juve push forward.
Impact on Team Performance
When Juventus produced one of their season’s strongest displays against Parma, McKennie was at the heart of everything, scoring in a 4-1 win and collecting man-of-the-match honors. His physicality, aerial threat and decision-making have allowed Spalletti to build patterns of play that maximize the team’s attacking options.
International Outlook and World Cup Questions
McKennie’s revival raises fresh questions for the USMNT. Despite intense club form, his national-team role remains unsettled; coaching staff have suggested they know what he brings but seem unsure where he best fits among deep-lying midfield options and attacking midfield candidates. Competition for the wide and No.10 roles is strong, yet his Juve role suggests he could line up on the right and tuck inside in certain formations.
Contract Talks and Transfer Speculation
Talks have reportedly begun over a new Juventus contract as the club looks to lock down a player who now appears central to Spalletti’s plans. Parallel rumours linking McKennie with other Serie A suitors and MLS interest have circulated, but his agent has publicly pushed back on inaccuracies. On the pitch, however, his value to Juventus is clear.
What This Means for Bettors
McKennie’s current scoring and involvement make him an attractive proposition in player-focused markets. Punters should consider anytime-scorer and goal-involvement bets when he starts, and back Juventus in match markets with boosted probability of goals when McKennie plays. Monitor lineups and his starting role: his presence on the right or in advanced phases notably increases Juve’s attacking threat.
Conclusion
From uncertainty and loan exits to a tactical linchpin, McKennie’s resurgence is one of Juventus’ standout storylines. As Spalletti continues to shape the team around his strengths, the American looks set to be a defining figure in Juventus’ season — and a player worth watching for both fans and punters alike.
The American has earned the trust of Luciano Spalletti in Italy, but his role with the USMNT remains an open question. Juventus have tried to get rid of Weston McKennie.
They even succeeded once, sending him on loan to Leeds United only for the American to return six months later. When he got back to Turin, as US coach Gregg Berhalter told the story at the time, Juve had emptied his locker and given away his parking spot.
Despite this, McKennie stuck around.It’s just as well for the Old Lady that he did – McKennie is now in the form of his life. The 27-year-old has scored four times in just eight games since the start of 2026.
He has become one of Juve’s most important players and arguably the biggest driving force behind their recent upturn in form.
Report: Juventus close to finalizing contract extension with Kenan Yildiz
Luciano Spalletti – among the most big-name coaches currently working in Italian football – has used McKennie to mould the team in his own image. Continue reading...
The Guardian
