Kevin Kilbane has lauded Tottenham Hotspur transfer target and USA midfielder Weston McKennie as a ‘powerhouse’ ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, as he told Off the Ball.
The USA kick-off their World Cup campaign on Monday night when they take on knockout stage hopefuls Wales in the searing heat of Doha.
McKennie is expected to start for a US team that failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and will host the forthcoming tournament in 2026.
McKennie is 24-years-old and by the time the next World Cup comes around, he will be at the top of his game and one of the senior players in the squad.
Could the hard-hitting midfielder be in Tottenham colours? There is talk of Fabio Paratici wanting to take the Juventus player on board.
Either way, ahead of the USA kicking off their campaign against Wales, former Premier League defender Kevin Kilbane shared what type of player he is.
“I don’t see the USA at maybe where they see themselves at,” said Kilbane. “McKennie, who plays at Juventus, I quite like him. I think he is a bit of a powerhouse.
“But, at times, he is sloppy in possession. He’s more of a runner from midfield that can arrive in the penalty area and score a goal. Playing in the US side, he has to play a little deeper.”
MCKENNIE IN THE SHOP WINDOW
Every club loves a purchase after the World Cup and this tournament won’t be any different. Of course, the odd thing is that we are in the middle of the season.
But the January transfer window is only around the corner, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if a few teams were to knock down a few doors because of how certain players perform on football’s biggest stage.
McKennie could be one of those players, especially given that the USA, after Group B favourites England, will be backing themselves to progress to the knockout stages.
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