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Why McKennie will play instead of Cambiaso in Juventus vs Fiorentina contest
Weston McKennie is once again expected to start at left-back as Juventus take on Fiorentina on Sunday evening at the Allianz Stadium.
The American has been showcasing his exceptional versatility by playing almost everywhere on the pitch this season. The 26-year-old is originally a central midfielder who operates as a box-to-box player, but he also featured as an attacking midfielder, a winger, a centre-forward (when Dusan Vlahovic was absent against Milan), a right-back, and most recently a left-back.
The former Schalke was first deployed on the left side of the defense due to an emergency that saw all natural options missing through injuries (Juan Cabal, Andrea Cambiaso and Jonas Rouhi), while Danilo had to cover elsewhere.
Nevertheless, McKennie managed to excel in this role, proving to be a natural fit thanks to his defensively sound displays and ability to support the attacks with his overlaps.
But with Cambiaso returning to the fold, Motta was expected to welcome back his beloved player with open arms, trusting him with an immediate starting spot. But on the contrary, all sources are reporting that McKennie will be the one starting on the left side against Fiorentina, with Cambiaso’s name nowhere to be seen in the expected starting lineup.
So what’s behind Motta’s curious decision?
According to IlBianconero, Cambiaso isn’t suffering from any physical issues and is fully fit to play. However, the Juventus manager has decided to make the choice for technical reasons, as he’s interested in seeing more of McKennie at left-back, as this could emerge as a long-term solution.
If the Texan continues to shine in this role, perhaps Juventus won’t need a new full-back in January, so Cristiano Giuntoli and Co. can instead focus on their quest to sign a central defender, and potentially a new striker.
There has been much speculation surrounding who will start in midfield for Juventus in their upcoming match against Fiorentina, with many fans debating whether Weston McKennie or Rodrigo Bentancur will get the nod over veteran playmaker Juan Cuadrado. However, it is becoming increasingly likely that McKennie will get the start ahead of Cuadrado for this crucial Serie A clash.
One of the main reasons why McKennie is expected to start over Cuadrado is his impressive form in recent matches. The American midfielder has been in fine form for Juventus, showcasing his ability to break up play, drive forward with the ball, and contribute to the team’s attacking play. McKennie’s energy and physicality in midfield could prove to be vital against Fiorentina, who boast a strong midfield themselves.
Another reason why McKennie may be favored over Cuadrado is his versatility. McKennie is capable of playing in a number of different positions in midfield, allowing him to adapt to different tactical setups and provide more options for Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri. Cuadrado, on the other hand, is more of a traditional playmaker and may struggle to keep up with Fiorentina’s high press.
Lastly, McKennie’s work rate and defensive contributions could be crucial in helping Juventus secure a vital victory against Fiorentina. His ability to track back, win duels, and provide cover for the defense could prove to be invaluable in a match where every point is crucial in the title race.
Overall, while Cuadrado is a seasoned veteran with immense quality, it seems that McKennie’s recent form, versatility, and work rate make him the more likely candidate to start in midfield for Juventus against Fiorentina. Fans will have to wait and see if Allegri ultimately chooses McKennie over Cuadrado, but all signs point to the American midfielder getting the nod in this important contest.
Tags:
- Weston McKennie
- Juventus vs Fiorentina
- Starting lineup
- Team selection
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Serie A
- Tactical decision
- Midfielder battle
- Italian football
- McKennie vs Cambiaso
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