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Oliver Jones

USA media send Leeds United 'utilisation' question after 'wand-waving' Weston McKennie brace

Leeds United have been questioned why they've been unable to utilise loan midfielder Weston McKennie to his fullest potential by the U.S media after the star netted twice in a 7-1 win over Grenada.

The USMNT moved to the top of Group D of the CONCACAF Nations League thanks to first-half goals from Whites players McKennie and Brenden Aaronson, as well as contributions from Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic and Alejandro Zendejas.

Both of McKennie's goals came from set pieces three minutes apart, while Aaronson's link-up with the Chelsea winger was driven into the back of the net after 20 minutes.

READ MORE: Weston McKennie hails 'amazing' Chelsea ace as Leeds United duo score in USMNT 7-1 rout

MLS Soccer gave McKennie a 8.5/10, writing that the brace "highlights just how complete a player he’s become" while Aaronson's "valuable all-out energy" helped spur him on for a 7.5/10 performance.

Goal highlighted McKennie's "wand-waving" form on the night, giving the star an 8/10 rating claiming that he "remains so, so dangerous from dead ball situation".

"Why haven't Leeds been able to utilize that just yet?" was their main question that came from his performance though, which will certainly provide both Whites fans and staff an idea of how to properly utilise the star after his slow start to life at Elland Road.

In terms of Aaronson's performance, he earned himself a 7/10 for his showing where he used "some sweet feet to get the second goal of the game, setting the tone for what turned out to be a blowout."

"His energy and pressing are often lauded as his best attributes, but he can finish, too, as evidenced by Friday's goal. He's still progressing as a player in the final third but, if he ever becomes more dangerous, look out."

Elsewhere, NBC Sports gave similar ratings to Goal, with McKennie receiving an 8/10 and Aaronson getting a 7/10. They also pointed out how the performances would affect their domestic campaigns, with McKennie two set piece goals "an incredibly welcome development" for the Whites while Aaronson's goal "will hopefully provide a much-needed boost in confidence."

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