Brentford boss Thomas Frank has questioned Javi Gracia’s usage of Leeds United star Weston McKennie, as the Spaniard continues to use the American in a double pivot in the middle of the park alongside midfielder Marc Roca.
McKennie, 24, was one of a number of players that struggled on Monday night at Elland Road as Liverpool eased to a 6-1 win. At Juventus, McKennie had a hand in 18 goals during his 96 games – despite only starting 64 of those.
Clearly, he is better further forward. Proven even further by his two goals and then an assist during the international break for USA. In 13 outings for Leeds since joining the club on loan, McKennie is yet to register a goal or assist.
On Monday night, McKennie tried to get forward and join the attack – but Frank was critical. He questioned why the USA star was getting forward, without any one covering him in behind. He feels McKennie is being used too high.
“McKennie is too high,” Frank told Premier League Productions. “I don’t know exactly what they want. No holding midfielder. You are playing against probably the best counter-attacking team in the world. They can punish you.”
Brentford boss Frank questions Gracia usage of Leeds star McKennie
Frank is bang on, but how does Gracia fix it? McKennie needs to be given the freedom and license to get forward. But he needs the cover in behind him and without Tyler Adams – it is difficult to get the best out of McKennie.
Max Wober is fit again – and Liam Cooper is also available. Perhaps, using Cooper in defence ahead of Pascal Struijk and Wober as a holding midfielder would help McKennie. Adam Forshaw is also able to sit as a defensive midfielder.
McKennie did play as more of a 10 against Fulham in the FA Cup and while Leeds lost 2-0, it was one of the January signing’s better performances. Plenty to think about for Gracia before going into Saturday’s trip to West London.
