Weston McKennie

[Daarkest]

Not fussed on this one. In general, apart from Goalkeepers who use their hands, American players are average at best.

Pass.

You dont think Pulisic would walk into our starting 11?

 

[CantSmileWithoutYou]

I said 'in general'...

There is always an exception to the rule. And Pulisic is that one exception.

 

[Clive Wilson]

You dont think Pulisic would walk into our starting 11?

I don't. If we sign Adama then definitely not.

 

[robertgoulet]

You dont think Pulisic would walk into our starting 11?

I’m an American and I don’t think he would.

That said the “Americans are average at football” thing is becoming outdated quickly.

 

[CantSmileWithoutYou]

I’m an American and I don’t think he would.

That said the “Americans are average at football” thing is becoming outdated quickly.

I wouldnt say average, I'd say average at best.

 

[JayB]

I said 'in general'...

There is always an exception to the rule. And Pulisic is that one exception.

I get where you’re coming from but youth development has changed dramatically in recent years in the US.

Up until very recently players went through the typical American sports pathway of playing for their high schools/summer teams, followed by playing for their university, and not starting their professional careers until their early 20s. As such, Americans lost years of crucial development as compared to their peers around the world who were brought through academies. The youth development program that works for basketball and American football left players far behind.

That has all changed in recent years. The growth of MLS has meant that traditional academies have proliferated through the US and young talents get trained the same way as players around the world. McKennie joined FC Dallas’s academy in 2009 and was trained there from age 11 to age 18, at which point he joined Shalke.

McKennie and Pulisic represent the first wave of American talents who have come through the new system. The general trends that were true of previous generations of American players don’t apply anymore.

 

[guy]

Any decent young strikers coming through the USMNT then?

 

[Scissors&Tape]

Any decent young strikers coming through the USMNT then?

Well, Josh Sargent just scored two and assisted for another in his debut for Norwich.

 

[JayB]

Any decent young strikers coming through the USMNT then?

None that have shown they’re good enough for us. There’s Daryl Dike who scored 9 in 19 after being loaned to Barnsley in January last season, who’s being linked with Leeds. There’s a player at Shalke who has had a couple of impressive performances. Also Sargent as mentioned above, but Norwich seems like his level for the time being. No one well-established enough for us.

 

[Hotspurious]

I said 'in general'...

There is always an exception to the rule. And Pulisic is that one exception.

Reyna would walk into the first team as well. The US has the start of a golden generation on its way. If they keep developing they might make a decent run in 2026. This World Cup will be too soon but I think they might surprise a few people.

 

[jimmyh]

So the only reason some of you don't want him is because American and that makes him shit well Winks is English and he is shit and nothing to do with nationality Mckennie is quality and if we could get him it would be a very big upgrade on our midfield.

 

[Pochemon94]

Any decent young strikers coming through the USMNT then?

Eh not really, daryl dike is a beast but he’s years away from prem level

 

[gibbospurs]

You dont think Pulisic would walk into our starting 11?

I do! He’s better than Lucas or Bergs in the final 3rd.
but I guess that’s why he cost £50m. Weird that anyone doesn’t think he’s better than the 2 I’ve mentioned. Bonkers IMO.

 

[robertgoulet]

Any decent young strikers coming through the USMNT then?

That’s a big n-o

 

[barry]

So the only reason some of you don't want him is because American and that makes him shit well Winks is English and he is shit and nothing to do with nationality Mckennie is quality and if we could get him it would be a very big upgrade on our midfield.

I think they're being facetious my friend.

 

[amathews3416]

I think Levy would love this one from a commercial standpoint considering how he signed Yedlin for similar reasons years back (who is nowhere near quality of McKennie).

After Pulisic, McKennie and Reyna are two biggest USMNT names. Americans are a bit different as well in which a lot of fans follow individual players across professional sports rather than just having a team they support. Pulisic has pulled in massive tv ratings for the networks here in the states when Chelsea is on and he plays.

Only downside will be massive influx on SC of McKennie fanboys who aren’t tied to the club. Saw it back when Dempsey joined.

 

[SpursSince1980]

That was quick ...
View attachment 95545

Oops! I probably shoulda checked that. Can I adjust my prediction to say, top 9? ??

 

[robertgoulet]

I think Levy would love this one from a commercial standpoint considering how he signed Yedlin for similar reasons years back (who is nowhere near quality of McKennie).

After Pulisic, McKennie and Reyna are two biggest USMNT names. Americans are a bit different as well in which a lot of fans follow individual players across professional sports rather than just having a team they support. Pulisic has pulled in massive tv ratings for the networks here in the states when Chelsea is on and he plays.

Only downside will be massive influx on SC of McKennie fanboys who aren’t tied to the club. Saw it back when Dempsey joined.

I have Dempsey to thank for dragging me into this fandom hellhole.

 

[dtxspurs]

I have Dempsey to thank for dragging me into this fandom hellhole.

It was Bale for me and then Dempsey cementing it.

 

[Hotspur_Hero]

Any decent young strikers coming through the USMNT then?

Probably not good enough for Spurs, but we have some decent prospects. Dike is obviously pretty well known here. Hoppe did decently in a horrible Schalke team last year (though all his goals came in a single purple patch). Sargeant just signed for Norwich but that is probably his level. In the MLS, Ricardo Pepi has scored 9 in 20 this year and just turned 18. Most feel he is the best long-term prospect. Cade Cowell looks good as well, though he has definitely cooled off after a red hot start to the season.