American star midfielder Weston McKennie joins Juventus

Weston McKennie is joining Italian giants Juventus.

After arriving in the Bundesliga at the tender age of 18, Weston McKennie’s versatility and defensive IQ was a bright spot on a Schalke team that has regressed since their UCL glory days in the earlier part of the decade. Eyeing bigger and better projects, McKennie landed with the biggest team in Italy, which could really kick start his career.

McKennie arrived in Turin ahead of his move to Juventus, now managed by legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Juve will take him on loan for 2020-21 with an $18 million option to buy at the end of the season.

Weston McKennie is evolving into one of the world’s best defensive midfielders

McKennie, who will turn 22 on Aug. 28, has become one of Schalke’s more reliable players, even as they’ve taken a bit of a dive down in the Bundesliga table. McKennie, signed from FC Dallas’ youth system, has made 91 total appearances for Schalke over the last four years, netting five times. Forming a terrific midfield tandem with Red Bull Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams on the United States men’s national team, McKennie has scored six times in 19 games.

Rodrigo Bentacur and Adrien Rabiot are stern competition in the heart of Juve’s midfield, so a starting role isn’t guaranteed. However, one of the biggest clubs in the world making a move for McKennie at such a young age speaks to how high his ceiling can be. No one knows what players Pirlo will favor or what formation he will deploy, but McKennie’s ability to patrol the center of the pitch and slink back into a defensive role could help him get a leg up in the competition.

Not only is McKennie moving to one of the biggest clubs in the world, but he will be able to assist Cristiano Ronaldo on goals while being managed by one of the best defensive midfielders of all time. McKennie couldn’t have landed in a better spot if he tried.