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When he does win the ball back he's more than capable of playing a defense splitting pass to create a chance - although he doesn't do it too often.
He managed 0.6 key passes per game. #SaintsFC
He managed 0.6 key passes per game. #SaintsFC
When he does receive the ball from deep, he prefers to run with the ball into space and find a simple pass rather than trying a long cross-field ball out to a winger.
He managed an average of 1.1 successful dribbles per game and an 80% Pass Accuracy. #SaintsFC
He managed an average of 1.1 successful dribbles per game and an 80% Pass Accuracy. #SaintsFC
One of the most interesting aspects of his game is his versatility. He offers managers an intriguing tactical flexibility and with the right manager he could be a secret weapon. #SaintsFC
He's played a total of seven different positions in his professional career, ranging from central midfield to centre forward & right-back to right-wing... #SaintsFC
This versatility mainly comes down to another interesting aspect of his game, aerial threat. At 6ft1 he's capable of winning an aerial duel against anyone.
He has the highest % of aerial duels won out of all midfielders and attackers in the Bundesliga. #SaintsFC
He has the highest % of aerial duels won out of all midfielders and attackers in the Bundesliga. #SaintsFC
So when Schalke are struggling to create chances against a team pressing high up the pitch they have often used McKennie in an offensive position as a target for long balls to beat the press.
His games as a CF: Dortmund & Leverkusen
Games at RW: Leipzig & Man City. #SaintsFC
His games as a CF: Dortmund & Leverkusen
Games at RW: Leipzig & Man City. #SaintsFC
See for example in their CL fixture against Manchester City. Schalke really struggled to bring the ball out from the back due to City's pressure, so they started using McKennie as an outlet out wide to bypass the press.
He wins 65.5% of his aerial duels #SaintsFC
He wins 65.5% of his aerial duels #SaintsFC
His aerial ability also presents a considerable threat from set pieces. 3 out of his 5 professional goals have come from headers. But he's not just a direct threat from set pieces, 5.3% of his passes are headers. #SaintsFC
His aerial ability isn't always offensive, he wins long passes from the opponents trying to bypass Schalke's press and stops any potential attack forming from a long ball.
He makes an average of 1.3 Clearances per game and 157 of his 1028 passes are headed. #SaintsFC
He makes an average of 1.3 Clearances per game and 157 of his 1028 passes are headed. #SaintsFC
There are a few negatives to his game, but he's young and has plenty to learn. He's often found taking too long with the ball and slowing down attacks and has a tendency to not find good spaces when his teammates are in possession. #SaintsFC
He also isn't too comfortable being ran at by an attacker but he has the capability to continue to chase his man if he's beaten in a 1v1 and win back possession. #SaintsFC
But overall McKennie is a rough gem, a work-horse with plenty of flaws but also has great fundamental attributes for a manager like Hasenhuttl to work on and turn him into the perfect midfield partner for Ward-Prowse #SaintsFC
In terms of personality he's exactly the type of player #SaintsFC have been targeting as of late. A young, enthusiastic player who's willing to learn and become the best player he can be, but also a funny joker who likes to make people happy and have fun.
As a kid in Germany, he scored 8 Goals in his first ever football game, he immediately got moved up two age groups and he never lost a game playing against kids two years older than him. #SaintsFC
When he returned to America he often played Football and American Football on the same day. He sometimes played football, scored a couple of goals before getting subbed off and running off to play American Football a few moments later. #SaintsFC
So, #SaintsFC fans. What do we think of Weston McKennie? Is he worth the £20m price tag?
