Jesse Marsch has told Friday’s press conference that he is considering whether to start new Leeds United man Weston McKennie against Nottingham Forest – saying the American is “ready” and “fit”. He will certainly travel.
McKennie, 24, has joined Leeds on a loan-to-buy basis from Juventus, with his deal completed on Monday this week. A player that Tyler Adams knows incredibly well, as well as being a teammate of Brendan Aaronson for USA.
A Champions League player, McKennie is seen as a real coup at Leeds. The club saw off interest from Tottenham and plenty of other Premier League clubs to sign him. Clinton Morrison thinks he is the best signing of January.
His first possible outing is Sunday and it could be that Marsch throws him in at the deep end. A crucial game against a side in a similar position to Leeds. Marsch reacted when asked if Leeds could start McKennie at the City Ground.
“Weston is a competitor. Incredible flexibility. Can play almost any position on the pitch. Aggressive, but quality. He has been outstanding in training – fit and ready. He is in consideration to start and certainly to be in the squad.”
Marsch responds when asked if new Leeds signing McKennie will start
The way McKennie is as a player, his style, he is surely perfect for Sunday’s game. A fighter, a player willing to do the dirty bits – and as Marsch says, aggressive. Sunday’s game will be a mix of a scrap, as well as technical aspect.
McKennie is more than capable of both. He is solid in the air, scoring a number of goals with his head for Juventus. But he covers ground, and is willing to “trash talk”, for example. He has simply got to start for Leeds come Sunday.
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