USMNT Star McKennie Thriving Under Juventus Manager Spalletti

Weston McKennie's goal-scoring form has surged since Luciano Spalletti took over as Juventus manager, while other young USMNT prospects make progress at their clubs.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie has been in excellent form for Juventus since Luciano Spalletti took over as manager in October 2025, scoring seven goals in all competitions. McKennie's father praised Spalletti's use of his son, who has been given more freedom to impact games. Meanwhile, other young USMNT talents like Kevin Paredes and Mathis Albert have also made strides at their Bundesliga clubs Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund, respectively. However, Antonee Robinson's form has dipped at Fulham, raising concerns ahead of the World Cup.

Why it matters

As the 2026 World Cup in North America approaches, it is crucial that USMNT's core players like McKennie are in top form and settled at their clubs. McKennie's resurgence under Spalletti is a positive sign, while the progress of young prospects Paredes and Albert bodes well for the national team's future depth. However, the dip in form for starting left-back Robinson is a concern that Mauricio Pochettino will want to address.

The details

McKennie has scored six goals in his last 14 appearances for Juventus, making him the Serie A midfielder with the most goals in all competitions (seven) since Spalletti took over in late October 2025. Spalletti has utilized McKennie in different roles, sometimes in the buildup and other times as a target man to beat the press. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Paredes made his first start of the season for Wolfsburg after recovering from a complex foot fracture, while 16-year-old Mathis Albert was an unused substitute for Borussia Dortmund, showing his potential. However, Fulham's Antonee Robinson has struggled for form recently after returning from injury.

  • On February 9, 2026, McKennie scored in Juventus' 2-2 draw with Lazio.
  • On February 4, 2026, Paredes made his first start of the season for Wolfsburg.
  • On February 4, 2026, Albert was an unused substitute for Borussia Dortmund.

The players

Weston McKennie

A 27-year-old American midfielder who plays for Italian club Juventus.

Luciano Spalletti

The current manager of Juventus, who has helped revive McKennie's form since taking over in October 2025.

Kevin Paredes

A 22-year-old American midfielder who plays for German club Wolfsburg.

Mathis Albert

A 16-year-old American prospect who is in the senior squad for German club Borussia Dortmund.

Antonee Robinson

A starting left-back for the USMNT who plays for English club Fulham.

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What they’re saying

“He's finally being utilized properly and given the freedom to analyze the game🔥🔥🔥🔥”

— john mckennie, Weston McKennie's father (Twitter)

“We want to be this kind of team that goes ahead through playing style and movement. A team that perceives what is an advantage and what is a disadvantage. Sometimes we use McKennie in the build-up, other times we use him as a target man because we need to beat the press, and he knows how to do it. So we use him in different areas.”

— Luciano Spalletti, Juventus Manager (Post-match press conference)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.