Weston McKennie is reportedly keen to impress new boss Massimiliano Allegri to keep hold of him following a torrid start. The versatile midfielder was one of Andrea Pirlo’s most trusted allies last season, but he has experienced contrasting fortunes under the new manager.
Per Calciomercato, McKennie is working hard to ensure a long-term future at Juventus. The record-time Serie A champions have been off to a sluggish start since Allegri’s return to the helm, so the midfielder’s poor form is not a surprise.
McKennie initially joined Juventus on a season-long loan from German outfit Schalke 04 last summer. The American’s impressive showings under Pirlo earned him a permanent move before the season even ended, with the Bianconeri exercising their purchase option for €18.5m in March to sign him on a four-year contract.
After serving a yellow-card suspension against Udinese on the opening weekend, McKennie returned to Juventus’ starting line-up in a dismal 1-0 home loss to Empoli. Despite his somewhat lackadaisical display against promoted visitors, the 23-year-old was handed 72 minutes of action against Napoli on Saturday.
Allegri used McKennie in a more advanced role against Empoli, which could be an excuse for the United States international’s underwhelming performance. But a return to his preferred position in the center of the park against Napoli didn’t pay any dividends, as the USMNT star endured another lackluster evening.
Allegri is still trying to figure out the best way to get the most out of McKennie, but the midfielder’s recent drop-off in form has raised doubts over his future at the Allianz Stadium. However, the player is desperate to lift his level of performance and convince the new boss to entrust him with a more prominent role in the future.