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Some thoughts on Weston McKennie. It's encouraging to see #SaintsFC seemingly active in their attempts to quickly replace Højbjerg, but this possible transfer has divided opinion, and rightly so – there are a lot of pros and a lot of cons.
McKennie is young and has the perfect attitude to succeed – this interview with @TheAthleticUK reflects that. Hasenhüttl demands unwavering work ethic, tenacity, and drive; he has all this in abundance. https://theathletic.co.uk/1528052/2020/01/15/weston-mckennie-schalke/
Defensively, he's largely pretty good. A little rash at times, not always convincing positionally, but more than adept at screening the back-line, winning his individual battles, and winning headers. He's fantastic in the air and it's definitely one of his best qualities.
David Wagner has said before that his best position is somewhere between a 6 and an 8, and that seems pretty appropriate; he's not entirely defensive but his strengths don't lie high up the pitch. It's suitable for the all-action role Hasenhüttl wants his double pivot to play.
On the ball, he's limited. Not an exceptional passer and isn't an outstanding technician, but he's fine, if a little guilty of sometimes being caught flat-footed when receiving possession. These flaws can be coached, but it's also not ideal when you're looking at a £20m outlay.
Is he better than Harrison Reed? Probably, and he's four years younger. Is he better than Højbjerg? I'd have them at about the same level, but again, McKennie is 21. He is as versatile as they come and is definitely a serviceable right-back, which is also useful.
A £20m club-record deal for #SaintsFC would inarguably be a big gamble. He does have the potential to become a really good midfielder, but concerns about whether or not he's the answer to our problems in midfield are definitely justified.
