Weston McKennie to shine at Leeds United under Javi Gracia despite Jesse Marsch sack – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson expects Weston McKennie to shine for Leeds United despite joining the club shortly before Jesse Marsch was sacked.
The Juventus midfielder is currently on loan at Elland Road, with the Yorkshire side holding an obligation to buy the 24-year-old at the end of the season.
Robinson feels it’s a move they should be looking to make permanent at the end of the season if they secure their Premier League status.
“He couldn’t have come into the side at a more difficult time. The side are underperforming and the manager who signed him has been sacked,” Robinson exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“I think personally he’s an excellent signing and I said before I would’ve taken no players in January if Sean Dyche was given the job, but actually, I think McKennie has been one of the highlights.
“Leeds have taken an opportunity with the connections that they have with the player and the financial situation at Juventus and they’ve got themselves a top-class international player who will only get better.
“It’s been difficult for him to start with but I think that his aggression, the way that he plays, he fits the Leeds side in midfield. They always play with two holding midfielders and under Javi Gracia that might be different but he’s adaptable. He can play anywhere across the midfield and I think his signing is a bright spark.
“It’s absolutely a move they should be trying to complete, however, the new manager has come in and he may have a different opinion. If he doesn’t play between now and the end of the season or doesn’t fit his formation. At this moment in time if someone offered you McKennie you would absolutely take him.
“If the new manager doesn’t utilise him then it won’t make sense but at this moment in time players like him are the foundations of your starting eleven.”
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared an update on the coaching staff Gracia is bringing to the club.