Although right-backs have historically worn Weston McKennie's No. 2 shirt, the Schalke rookie has played and excelled all over the field for both club and country.
Having played in defense, midfield, and most recently attack for the Royal Blues, it is fair to say Schalke's Weston McKennie is now living a very Habanero-esque life, if diversity is the flavor of life.
But where on the pitch does the USA international play best? bundesliga.com investigates further.
The 20-year-old former FC Dallas youth product started 13 games in the Bundesliga last season, mostly playing defensive midfield. He made his Bundesliga debut as a late substitution in left midfield on the penultimate Matchday of the 2016–17 campaign.
Is center back Weston McKennie doing well?
McKennie played the entire ninety minutes on the right side of a back three alongside Salif Sane and Naldo, and while Schalke fell short 2-0, McKennie gave a very creditable performance. For instance, despite being an inch shorter than Hertha attacker Vedad Ibisevic at 6'1", he won 80% of his aerial duals.
Thus far, so typical for a player with that specific position's training. The first indications of change came in January of this year when McKennie was given a try at center back in a friendly match against Genk by Schalke coach Domenico Tedesco during the winter break. He led his team to a 2-1 victory by playing the whole second half in the midst of a back-three.
After the game, Tedesco said, "We've been wanting to try him out in central defense for a while." "He's good in the air, strong and up for anything." Even though it was a fruitful trial run, McKennie did not play defense in a meaningful match until this season on Matchday 2 against Hertha Berlin.
Returning to his rightful place in defensive midfield?
In his succeeding games, McKennie returned to defensive midfield, first in the UEFA Champions League against Porto and then in the Bundesliga against Mainz and Bayern Munich. Moreover, even though this is likely his ideal position, he sees less ball than when he plays elsewhere (39.4 touches per game), completes fewer passes (66%), and runs fewer (16) sprints.
Compare it with a more advanced role that he plays. All of a sudden, he touches the ball more (53.1 times), completes more passes (77.3%), and runs more (17). This was the case on Matchday 7 against Fortuna Düsseldorf, as he opened the scoring in a 2-0 victory with his first-ever Bundesliga goal.
In fact, McKennie's last-gasp victory away to Lokomotiv Moscow was his first-ever Champions League goal, and that goal came only three days before. Where did he stand in that game? Again, a freer central midfield position.
In November 2017, he scored his first goal for his senior team against Portugal, which was also his only other goal at the senior level.
Tedesco previously said, "Weston's important for us for more than just his goals." "During our difficult times, he personified many of the values we hold dear. He works diligently, is modest, and has a positive mindset. Saying that, he will continue to improve. He's just an excellent player."
McKennie in a forward role?
As if to put that to the test, Tedesco chose to stretch McKennie again on Bundesliga Matchday 8, playing him off the shoulder of striker Guido Burgstaller at home to Werder Bremen. Even though Schalke lost in the end, McKennie's performance was inspiring.
The Schalke No. 2 made more sprints (26), covered more ground (7.84 miles), and misdirected only 16.7% of his passes despite playing more dangerous balls higher up the pitch than in any other game this season. It is a position that looks to fit his talents: gifted with quickness and stamina he can execute a high-pressing plan, and his recent goals hint at more to come from him in the last third.
Laughing, McKennie said, "I can play anywhere except goalkeeper," when questioned about his flexibility. "But if the coach asks me to play there, then I would."
As unbelievable as it may sound, Tedesco really likes that attitude. Additionally, McKennie can only benefit from this exposure and experience in a range of roles for club and country, as he recently surpassed the 40 senior game mark as a professional.
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