How many more games or performances does Wes have to have before he's arguably in contention for being among the best midfielders in the league?
What would your argument be that he is more in this company: - Barella - Luis Alberto - Adrian Rabiot - Piotr Zielinski - Zambo Anguissa - Koopmeiners - Calhonglu - Bennacer As opposed to: - Frattesi - Lobotka - Locatelli - Reinjders - Yunus Musah - Guendouzi - Bonaventura - Samardzic - Mkhitaryan - Lorenzo Pellegrini - Cristante I think he is solidly in the 2nd cut compared to the very best of the Serie A which is still an incredible achievement. He is also younger than all of the top midfielders with the capability to reach that level. Frankly, I don't believe anyone outside of Barella is world class (pains me to say).
Dude, LAViking asks the questions around here. Please just tell him exactly how many more games Wes has to play to be one of the best midfielders in Serie A.
I’d settle for keeping his starting position in the midfield when other options in the midfield return / convincing Allegri and co. they don’t need to bring in a midfielder in the winter transfer window.
generally agree with this at this point in time, but I’m a big Wes booster on here. Sure his game isn’t always the prettiest or most “cultured” but all the same he is one of those players who can exert a big influence on a game.
Another 1-0 stubborn win for Juve. They got one early and bunkered in amazing fashion. Wes played well all thing considered. Had an off period passing to start the 2nd half but more than made up for it with aerial wins and a beauty of a cross late that forced a save.
Many italians saw his defensive showing as player-of-the-game worthy. His coach really depends on him to do many things. ...its also of note that his coach is the coach of one of the worlds top clubs, that Wes left there by request, and that he came back to walk right into one of the highest-trust roles on the team. This is an historic player for the US abroad.
Allegri ball might be boring but Wes fits his system perfectly. Tenacious defending but he can spring the counter attack with both his running and his passing, plus he’s very strong in the air. A more attack-minded coach might not view Wes as essential as Allegri does. separately, I’m quite impressed with his Wes has cleaned up his technical game in the last couple of years. He used to be a turnover liability with the ball at his feet especially in a crowd. Now he’s full of deft touches and smart passes. Let’s just get him a couple of goals now.
I hate that McKennie was on the receiving end of this. Awful for this to happen to any player. https://football-italia.net/fiorentina-given-partial-stadium-ban-for-racist-abuse-against-juventus/
That explains McKennie’s disposition in the game. He looked a little preoccupied. He still played well despite the obviously ridiculous circumstances.
Forza Wes! Edit. I'm kind of surprised it took almost 4 years for it to happen (looking at you Italian football culture), so depressing and I can't imagine how it must feel. Also surprising how often Vlahovic gets racist/discriminatory abuse directed at him. I think I've counted twice now at Juve and another 1-2 times while at Fiorentina.
Nico Schira (decent journalist) tweeted that Juve have reached out to Wes' entourage about starting conversations for contract extensions. Juve just announced locatelli's extension to 2028 with a pay raise to $3.3m (net). I'm guessing Wes may look to land around $2.5-3m if he wants to extend.
He's going on loan to Bournemouth in the spring, but will be back to win back his place in the fall...
❗️Juve are ready to open talks with Weston McKennie’s agent to discuss a contract renewal. [@NicoSchira] #Juventus pic.twitter.com/0sRiVo9fup— Forza Juventus (@ForzaJuveEN) November 9, 2023 Good news. Hes really stepped up this season and become an important player for Juve
And who would have thought that given: 1) Juve didn’t care to keep him, letting him go to Leeds 2) Wes’s less than stellar time in the Premier League (aka best league in club football) Forza Wes!
He pushed for the move. Maybe they cared enough to respect his wishes. Obviously they thought enough of him to take him back and give him a chance.
It was just a weird situation with the unknown penalty hovering over them at the time. He jumped ship so he wouldn't sink but landed on another headed for an iceberg.
He also mentioned how he felt restricted in Italy and was looking forward to a more free role with Jesse. I'm sure the potential sinking ship crossed his mind though. I'm just not sure "they didn't care to keep him" is an indictment on him (or them).
I don’t think Wes was viewed as key to Juve (at the time), so it was no hardship to Juve for respecting his wishes to leave. More like win (Wes wants to leave), win (we don’t care if he leaves).