Sky Sports pundit hails Leeds United midfielder Weston McKennie in Javi Gracia win vs Southampton despite error
Clinton Morrison branded Leeds United midfielder Weston McKennie “outstanding” for his performance in Javi Gracia’s first game against Southampton, despite a frustrating error that saw a huge chance go begging.
The January loan signing from Juventus was heavily involved in the crucial 1-0 win that lifted the Whites out of the Premier League relegation zone on Saturday and could have been on the scoresheet more than once, but as with this team so often his decision-making in attack was poor before the break.
Late in the first half at Elland Road McKennie showed his quality to press high and win possession just outside the Saints box, which Morrison loved, but the pundit was as frustrated as the home fans when the American didn’t turn the pressure into a goal, passing behind teammate Brenden Aaronson and the opportunity was lost.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (25 February, 3.40pm) Morrison said: “He’s been outstanding for them in midfield. He wins the ball back, they press ever so high, that’s what Gracia’s team does.
“He’s in, it’s two on one, but the defender is there and he tries to play it to Aaronson and he plays it too early. He should go himself and then he has a great opportunity.”
It added to the nerves which Morrison commented on with the scores still level after the break, adding (4.11pm): “Their decision making in the final third has been their problem all season. It’s the same again, they’re dominating possession but haven’t got that cutting edge up front and that’s the big struggle at the moment.”
Release
It was such a high-pressure occasion that perhaps a rush of blood to the head when faced with a big chance can be excused, but until Junior Firpo broke the deadlock late on it looked like it might be another game that the Whites dominated and didn’t get rewarded for.
McKennie looks a good combination of Tyler Adams defensively and Marc Roca on the ball if he can continue to settle in at Leeds United.
He was all over the pitch this weekend, and if he continues that way then it is odds-on he becomes a permanent signing at the end of the season, but he will need to improve his quality in the final third.
Having done the hard work of winning the ball high up the pitch he hesitated when he should have driven into the box, and his pass to international teammate Aaronson was poor.
There was still time before the interval for him to go close with a lob towards an empty net after Gavin Bazunu’s punch didn’t get far enough, but his effort went over.
Those were two moments that could have made a nervous affair far more comfortable for Gracia and the Elland Road support, but ultimately he was solid in a game which was settled by the rejuvenated Firpo.
The three points were all that mattered and McKennie looks difficult to shift from the midfield on current evidence.
In other Leeds United news, an important representative from the 49ers was spotted in attendance for this crucial clash under the new boss.
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