Ex-Juventus midfielder expects Spalletti favourite to be dropped next season

Ex-Juventus midfielder expects Spalletti favourite to be dropped next season

Giancarlo Marocchi believes Weston McKennie won’t be an automatic starter for Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus in the coming campaigns.

The American endured a rough time under Igor Tudor, who often benched him, but he’s been omnipresent in the starting lineup since Spalletti’s arrival in late October.

The 27-year-old has been fielded all over the pitch, showcasing his supreme versatility. He can also operate in a hybrid role, switching back and forth between a wing-back and a midfielder during the course of the match, thus allowing the team to change shapes constantly.

Marocchi explains why Spalletti will drop Weston McKennie

This season, McKennie hasn’t only established himself as a regular feature in the lineup but has also been one of the most influential players at the club in terms of goal contributions.

He has provided nine goals and eight assists in his 46 appearances, and is only behind Kenan Yildiz (11 goals, 10 assists) in this regard.

And yet, Marocchi argues that the USMNT star won’t find room in the First XI next season, when new stars are added to the squad.

“McKennie played at least four roles in Lecce,” said the former Bologna and Juventus midfielder during his appearance on Sky Sport Italia via Tuttosport. “But sooner or later, he’ll end up on the bench.”