I can see some of their fans' frustration using Weston today as basically a left winger that is also told to bust his lungs as a key part of the defense both high and low -- it's not exactly a role that is familiar to anybody, even Weston I'd imagine. When he's charging forward with acres of space it's not exactly his forte, even if he's "good enough" at it even for Juve's level -- the fans are rightfully expecting more. Personally I'd probably insert Weston for Zakaria and play a real winger but the gaffer seems to be absolutely in love with Weston's work rate and abilities. To not play basically at all in the preseason and then suffer and injury, practice basically twice and then start and go 70 has to be a pretty big vote of confidence.
In the past we had so few data points and players abroad the irrationality made sense. Now it‘s simple. They go, they show it or they don‘t. Tough situation? Wait a year or move and we will see. It‘s not hard anymore. Even MLS is becoming easier. A consistent high performer in MLS is a pretty good player. Stupid and irrational will always be stupid and irrational. Yes, there will always be outliers. If betting on the long shot is your thing that‘s fine. Just don‘t try and convince me the long shot will certainly hit. When it does great, 99% of the time you go home broke. For the purposes of this thread. Wes has shown he is a damn good player.
Well, on the other hand, now that we have so many more data points coming in all the time maybe just relax and enjoy the journey a bit more.
Wes is a pretty much an automatic choice for Allegri when he can go at all. Think of that, injured, missed preseason, but he can go and he is in. Largely justified it too. Couple of passes in the attack hed probably like to have back, but considering the rust, still showed why he is in the team
He might not be the greatest on the ball in advanced situations, but it’s a good spot for him. It’s a place where he covers ground and can still impact plays in both boxes. He doesn’t defend as well as Zakaria.
If Wes and Musah continue to play more back for their clubs, GB might just go with the double pivot and insert an ACM, like Aaronson, or Reyna, or even Tillman
Wes doesn't play the double pivot for Juve under the new coach... If anyone would be paired with Musah at the double-pivot it would be Adams who has been playing the double pivot for a long time with RBL and now Leeds.
Ever since going to Juve Wes has shown that his energy is needed for Juve to look competent but they spend a lot of money on CMs so Wes usually ends up getting pushed outside. Wouldn't be shocked if this happens again even with Juve spending a lot again
Looks like Di Maria will be out at least 10 days with a low-grade adductor injury. https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2022/08/16/di-maria-juventus-infortunio-news-oggi
I don't really remember that, but I can't say with certainty what his level is. It's awesome what he's achieved so far - but I still want more. :shrug: Like automatic starter, dominant performances, lots of goals and assists, Edgar Davids more.
I think Allegri earned his money today - they had a weak stretch and I think he changed from a 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1 that tucked Wes inside, switched Cuadrado to wide left, and di Maria very wide right / wherever he felt like going. Most of their better play happened after that switch. Wes' particular skillset has led to some interesting roles going back to Pirlo - like the right mid on D / extra center forward on offense that was my favorite. Zakaria and Locatelli are more inclined to defense and possession passing, so it may all fit pretty well as they get used to this. The idea that he could play, and has played, any of the midfield positions left to right in their potential 4-3-3, 4-4-2, or yesterday's 4-5-1 is fine with me, and if you have a player with that motor and the instincts to track back on D plus get his head into the box in attack - you try to find a way to make that work. If it means he comes out at 60-75 minutes more often, fine - he's good at helping get them a numbers advantage near the ball on both sides.
The homegrown Italian midfielder most (biased) Juve fans expected to start over Weston sounds like he's about to be loaned out. Weston might actually be a key player for them this year not just a part time starter.
Or he might be a part of USMNT Utd 🚨 Manchester United are targeting USMNT international Weston McKennie after the collapse of negotiations with Rabiot. 👀Via SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/UHfWI3O8OR— Takes 🇺🇸 (@USMNTTAKES) August 18, 2022 Adding him and Casemiro would make that midfield hugely better
Anytime I read how Wes should sit for the USMNT I remember that every damn league in Europe wants him. The top half of every league wants him. He's the deal. My eyes see that when he suits up for the US too but confirmation is always nice.