In Focus: McKennie magic can secure survival for Leeds

Leeds’ marquee signing Weston McKennie could prove key to their Premier League survival. 

The midfielder joined on loan from Juventus after the Bianconeri were hit with a 15-point deduction following an investigation into their previous transfer dealings. 

The American joins USA team-mates Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson at Elland Road, playing under the instruction of compatriot Jesse Marsch. 

Ahead of Leeds’ clash with relegation rivals Nottingham Forest, we look at how McKennie can help secure top-flight football for the Whites next season.

European adventure

McKennie made the Bundesliga switch from his homeland in 2016 — a year after Christian Pulisic — but rather than joining the Borussia Dortmund talent factory, he went to Schalke. 

He would go on to make 91 senior appearances for the German side before moving to Juventus. 

During his time at the Italian giants, he registered 13 goals and five assists in 96 matches, lifting a Coppa Italia and a Supercoppa Italiana. 

His performances earned him an international debut at 19, becoming a staple in midfield and — most recently — helping the USA reach the knockout stages of the Qatar World Cup. 

The move to Leeds presents a new challenge for McKennie, as the club contend with relegation and aim to end a six-game winless run in the league.

Willing Weston

In a difficult year for the Old Lady, McKennie has played a variety of roles, including right wing-back, for Max Allegri. 

He works hard out of possession, pressing his opponents into mistakes and has averaged 1.19 tackles, 0.94 interceptions and 1.11 clearances per 90 minutes in Serie A this term. 

On the ball, while he is not as heavily involved, he has managed 26.2 passes, 7.06 being played in the attacking third per 90, with an overall accuracy of 81%. 

The new Leeds No28 has also created eight chances for his team-mates, of which three have been goalscoring opportunities — showing his eagerness to be influential in attacking areas. 

McKennie is also an aerial threat who likes to arrive late in the box — his one goal for this season was a headed effort.

Bringing balance

Marsch has primarily used a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, with Marc Roca and Adams covering the back four and Aaronson as the attacking midfielder. 

The addition of McKennie could allow the Leeds boss to switch to a 4-3-3, adding width and potentially balance in both attack and defence. 

He already has a well-established understanding with Adams, with the pair having played together at international level, which will help him slot straight into the lineup. 

Together with Roca, the trio could provide Leeds with a more stable foundation for their attackers to spring forward from.

McKennie can cope

Leeds’ director of football — Victor Orta — spoke of McKennie in glowing terms and believes he will adapt quickly to life in the Premier League. 

He said: "[McKennie] is a player who is at international level, which is really helpful for the squad and someone who will strengthen us. 

"Weston is a versatile player who will be able to adapt quickly, helped by his knowledge of the other players in the team. 

"I think it gives Jesse Marsch balance in his team and more options, with a player who can grow within the transition of English football."

Lifting Leeds

Not only does McKennie bring a different profile to the team, he also adds a wealth of experience from playing in two of Europe’s top five leagues. 

Now it is up to manager Marsch to get the best out of his new-look side, with securing safety the priority. 

At 24, McKennie is just entering his prime years and could prove to be a vital figure in a successful second half of the season for his new club.

Leeds will certainly hope that the all-action midfielder can help them battle their way to survival.