USA's 'Most Important Player' For The World Cup? McKennie's Case Over Pulisic

While star winger Christian Pulisic carries the "Captain America" title for USA soccer, one of his teammates carries the title of "most important player." 

As Pulisic grapples with a dip in form and questions regarding his attitude on the pitch, FOX Sports analysts and former USA players Stu Holden, Alexi Lalas and Maurice Edu debated whether it is Weston McKennie who is actually the heartbeat in the midfield.

McKennie is coming off what some observers consider the most impressive season of his career at Juventus, which saw him land on spot No. 72 in FOX Sports' ranking of the top 100 World Cup players.

After years of being written off by various managers and facing uncertain transfer windows, the midfielder from Little Elm, Texas, has cemented his place in Turin. He recently extended his contract with Juventus, signing a new deal that keeps him at the club until June 30, 2030.

Holden states that McKennie is no longer just a defensive workhorse; he has become a versatile offensive threat. 

"We talk about it so often, people write the guy off," Holden noted. "Coaches come in, they don't play him. ... No, the guy just signed a brand-new contract at Juventus. He’s showing he can score goals and create assists. He's a gamer."

Edu shared a similar sentiment, noting that while there was once a debate over McKennie’s best position — whether as a late-arriving "number eight" or a more advanced attacker — the argument has now shifted to his importance for the USA. It's that versatility that put McKennie above the No. 78-ranked Pulisic.

"He's an asset to this team, and to me, he's growing into being probably the most important player on this team," edu said. "Now, [Pulisic] is obviously the star. He is a difference maker when