Brad Friedel has told Tottenham Hotspur’s website that Juventus midfielder and Fabio Paratici transfer target Weston McKennie is a “phenomenal” player – amid reports that Paratici is trying to sign the USA star for a second time.
McKennie, 24, is expected to shine for the US at this winter’s World Cup. The Juventus star will be front and centre, alongside Leeds duo Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson and Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic against England on the 25th.
The midfielder has been immense for Juventus. Signed by Paratici initially on loan from Schalke in 2020, he has since clocked up 91 appearances – signed permanently in 2021. In that time, he has clocked up 17 goal involvements.
A player with lung-busting stamina, strength, confidence and a throw-back to the old-fashioned type box-to-box midfielder. Paratici is a big fan, he wants the £34m ace, with TuttoSport reporting Spurs are preparing a bid for him.
Ex-Tottenham goalkeeper was asked to give his preview of Group B – in which England face USA, Iran and Wales. He picked out McKennie as the man to watch – claiming he is even better than Chelsea’s Pulisic, USA’s best player.
“Weston McKennie is a phenomenally gifted player, really good. In my opinion, he’s our best player. When he plays with Tyler Adams, and if Yunus Musah and Christian Pulisic is fit, plus Brenden Aaronson, solid team,” Friedel said.
Friedel: Tottenham target McKennie is a phenomenal player
In terms of Tottenham and whether they could do with a player like McKennie, well, it is a no-brainer. Even more so, now that Conte has started using more of a 3-5-2 system. Yves Bissouma has come into the side and impressed.
His performance against Liverpool was excellent. With Bissouma holding, it allows the two midfielders in front of him to get forward – score or assist. Rodrigo Bentancur has five goals and two assists in 21 games this season for Spurs.
Oliver Skipp is more of a replacement for Bissouma. They lack any other cover than these four midfielders in the middle. So, having a box-to-box midfielder like McKennie would give Spurs another player Antonio Conte can rely on.
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