Herculez Gomez has claimed that Weston McKennie has made a step up in his career by joining Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United from Serie A giants, Juventus, as he told ESPN.
The former USMNT international thinks McKennie’s initial loan move to the Yorkshire giants is a ‘natural progression’ in his career.
Juventus, once again, are in a whole world of bother, both on and off the field of play, including a most recent 15 points deduction.
That puts the Turin-based club, just like those in Yorkshire, in a relegation fight in their own respective league.
But McKennie, 24, who produced a number of strong performances for the US alongside Tyler Adams at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, has left a club, yes in a mess, but one that probably considers itself as the biggest in Italy.
Despite this, Gomez thinks the hard-hitting midfielder is making a step up in his career.
“Playing in the Premier League for him, I agree, it’s a dream come true,” said Gomez. “Perfect fit? He’s got the playing style to match the frantic pace that Jesse Marsch demands out of that team.
“I do think it’s a good fit. A perfect fit? It remains to be seen. There are a lot of factors at play here.
“He was non-commital about the coach, about the future, whether it would be American or European, or any for that matter. Not surprised that he says that he doesn’t watch football. I always find it interesting when footballers say that they don’t watch football.
On how much of an upgrade it is: “Leeds are in a relegation fight. I mean you are in 15th place right now. I think three points outside of that relegation fight. I don’t think it can be more of a step down from a team right now that’s in financial trouble, docked 15 points, not going to be in Europe next season and is going to be in a fire sale with the majority of its players. I think it’s a natural progression. I don’t think it’s a step-down, at all, (from Juventus).”
STRONG JANUARY WINDOW FOR LEEDS
From the unpredictable Georginio Rutter to the reliable McKennie, Leeds had a very strong and healthy January transfer window.
Add into the mix the young stars that are shining bright, such as Wilfried Gnonto, and then something interesting is brewing with Leeds.
They shouldn’t be in their current situation and, during the second half of the season, they should push away from their relegation fight and start to progress forward as a team.
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