American pundit Alexi Lalas has told his State of the Union podcast that Weston McKennie has been a “failure” at Leeds United and that his loan has not proven “successful” – since joining the club temporarily from Juventus.
McKennie, 24, was highly sought after when Leeds struck a loan-to-buy deal to land the midfielder from Juventus in the January window. But his performances have left a lot to be desired, with some questioning McKennie’s desire.
He has been forced to play in more of a defensive role than he is used to, due to his international teammate Tyler Adams having to undergo hamstring surgery. He has featured in all 17 League games since joining, starting 14.
Often, American pundits are incredibly defensive of their players and for much of McKennie’s loan – that has been the case. Even if his friend defending him on a Twitter Space, recently. But now, Lalas admits it has not worked.
“Whatever happens in the next three games, the loan is a failure. It has not been successful. The criticism McKennie has had has been fair and warranted. He’s expected to be more than he wants to be, more he can be,” Lalas said.
American pundit Lalas says McKennie has been a failure at Leeds
He is not wrong. Given the hype surrounding the addition of McKennie, it has not gone well. McKennie was expected to form a brilliant partnership in midfield with Adams, as seen in Qatar at the World Cup with the United States.
But he has not been given the chance, not much anyway. Having signed for a fellow American in Jesse Marsch, McKennie has since played under Javi Gracia and now, Sam Allardyce. Leeds need a bit of the old McKennie, now.
Three games remain, with at least four points required if the Whites are going to survive come the end of the season. But with Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham up next, the challenge is sky high, nearly impossible.
