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Weston McKennie is the perfect complement for Christian Pulisic for USMNT moving forward

By George Jeliazkov

CHESTER, PA - MAY 28: Josh Sargent #13 of United States celebrates his goal with Christian Pulisic #10, Walker Zimmerman #4, Rubio Rubin #23 and Weston McKennie #6 in the second half of the friendly soccer match against Bolivia at Talen Energy Stadium on May 28, 2018 in Chester, Pennsylvania. The United States defeated Bolivia 3-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA - MAY 28: Josh Sargent #13 of United States celebrates his goal with Christian Pulisic #10, Walker Zimmerman #4, Rubio Rubin #23 and Weston McKennie #6 in the second half of the friendly soccer match against Bolivia at Talen Energy Stadium on May 28, 2018 in Chester, Pennsylvania. The United States defeated Bolivia 3-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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It’s no secret that the USMNT is going through a changing of the guard, and they may have just found their midfield core in McKennie and Pulisic.

On Saturday the USMNT youngsters marched into the legendary city of Lyon and stole a 1-1 draw from their host, the star sprinkled French team that is a strong favorite to find World Cup glory. Interim manager Dave Sarachan put out a very inexperienced side notably featuring Schalke product Weston McKennie.

The 19-year-old Texas native established himself as a commander in the midfield against the likes of Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi, and N’Golo Kante. Despite not having many appearances for the national team, he has already been featured in 23 occasions for the Bundesliga runners-up and will certainly look to impress in the Champions League campaign next season.

Although Pulisic was absent from the lineup, it didn’t stop the new era of Americans from holding their own and showing great resiliency against some of the best in world football. Pulisic and McKennie did feature alongside each other in the 3-0 whacking of Bolivia on May 28th.

The partnership that they formed, McKennie playing in front of the back 4 and Pulisic pushing the tempo as an attacking midfielder, was on display for all to see. The two 19-year-old Bundesliga have known each other since they were boys going to soccer camps in the US, and have remained closed ever since, even living close to each other in Germany.

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The prospect of the two of them working in tandem on the world stage should put American hearts around the world at ease. They chemistry is undeniable, and their Schalke and Dortmund pedigrees are priceless. This new generation is increasingly spreading into some of Europe’s elite clubs including PSG, Chelsea, and among others.

Could this pair claim the throne previously held by USMNT legends Landon Donovan and Jermaine Jones? Absolutely.

Pulisic has already garnered critical acclaim from around the world and McKennie will quickly be next. Before you know if these two studs will be leading the American Outlaws to the World Cup in 2022, and that’s a promise.

The youthful talent is just too abundant in this squad to ignore any longer. Josh Sargent, Timothy Weah, and Antonee Robinson are just some of the others who are ready to take the next step and propel the USMNT to new heights and reestablish itself as a contender on the football’s grandest stage.

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