Weston McKennie

The making of Weston McKennie: How America's most unique talent reached the top — and the team behind the scenes who helped him along the way

Weston McKennie is one of soccer's most unique talents. Even on the world's biggest stage, the 24-year-old American stands out in the middle of the pitch with his all-action style, covering every blade of grass, arriving first to every contested ball and occasionally looking like a one-man midfield out there.

But Weston would be the first to admit that his meteoric rise to playing for Italy's biggest club and representing his country on the world’s stage is grounded in the help, commitment and sacrifice of teammates, family, friends, and coaches.

Here are the top 10 best U.S. soccer players that will compete at the 2022 World Cup

If you’re a casual American soccer fan that watches the World Cup and the occasional game, then this article is here to help. You might only know a handful of players so here is the list of the 10 best US soccer players that should play at the 2022 World Cup.

ATTENTION: If you're looking for the list of the top 10 best US women soccer players for the 2023 World Cup, then click here.

Ted Lasso puts up billboards to support the USMNT

America’s favorite fictional soccer coach is back at it again. Ever the motivator, we definitely should have seen this coming. Following the USMNT’s roster release, people have spotted billboards with heartwarming messages popping up across the country, and AFC Richmond’s mustachioed manager is the one behind it. 

In the hometowns of players and coaches, on a classic yellow background akin to his famous “BELIEVE” sign, Ted Lasso has made his feelings known through the generous and kind words for which he has become so beloved. 

This potential USA World Cup starting XI could be the lineup that gets the team past the group stage

The surprising United States men’s national team roster was revealed on Wednesday giving fans a better idea of who head coach Gregg Berhalter could have in his USA World Cup starting XI.

This potential USA World Cup starting XI lineup considers the current form of players, Berhalter’s history of starting certain people, recent position identifications (Brenden Aaronson being listed as a midfielder) and the best possible options.

Let’s look at what we’ve cooked up.

Another American goes down: USMNT dealt Weston McKennie injury blow

There's more unfortunate news for the USMNT midfield with just 22 days to go until lining up against Wales: Weston McKennie, after coming off injured at the start of the second half during Juventus' 1-0 win over Lecce on Saturday, has been diagnosed with a thigh injury that'll keep him out for over two weeks.

Team-by-team guide: 2022 USMNT World Cup preview

To prepare you for the tournament, The18 has launched team-by-team previews for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This is the preview for Group B's USMNT.

USA World Cup 2022 Preview

World Cup appearances: 11th

Best finish: 3rd (1930)

How they got here: The USMNT qualified directly as Concacaf's third-place finisher, behind Canada and Mexico and above Costa Rica on goal difference. 

Weston McKennie scores a thunderous header in Juventus' victory over Empoli

Juventus got a confidence boost after crushing Empoli 4-0 at the Allianz Stadium for their second straight victory in Serie A. American Weston McKennie played 65 minutes and helped to keep the three points at home, scoring a magnificent header. 

Weston McKennie goal vs. Empoli

McKennie's goal was his first this season for Juventus and came in the most McKennie fashion: a thunderous header after a set piece. 

Beautiful Weston McKennie assist helps Juventus get their first win in six games

Weston McKennie, as Christian Pulisic did vs. Crystal Palace, got his first assist of the season in Juventus' 3-0 win over Bologna.

Yes, we’re hyped.

Weston McKennie assist vs. Bologna

Although the midfielder had started for the Vecchia Signora in the last three games, McKennie came on in the 60th minute vs. I Rossoblù in Sunday’s Serie A league match.

The response? A beautifully placed assist.

Wow, the USMNT is really REALLY bad — three takeaways from baffling 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia

Gregg Berhalter and his United States men’s national team are on a one-way collision course with a nasty ass kicking in Qatar at the World Cup. On Tuesday the USMNT played its final friendly before the World Cup and pathetically tied lowly Saudi Arabia 0-0.

There are few words that can accurately describe how poor the U.S. has looked in the last two friendly games vs. Japan and Saudi Arabia. With no words to summarize these poor performances let’s just let one stat in particular speak.

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