Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has claimed loanee Weston McKennie is being 'shackled' by manager Javi Gracia after his impressive display for the USA last week.
The 24-year-old netted twice within three first-half minutes in their 7-1 win over Grenada in the CONCACAF Nations League, with both goals coming from set pieces.
That comes as a stark contrast to his rather slow start to life at Elland Road, and while his performances haven't at all been bad, many fans were hoping to see much more from the promised partnership of him and compatriot Tyler Adams.
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His display against Grenada has left many wondering whether he could play a more advanced role for Gracia as the Whites get into the business end of the season, something Robinson can see happening.
"He’s capable of doing that, but that’s an area they’ve actually got a lot of quality in," Robinson told MOT Leeds News earlier this week.
"I think he’s the all-round midfielder, but I think at Leeds he plays a little bit more with the shackles on. He’s tied down in that defensive midfield role alongside Roca.
"He’s a player who can play anywhere in the middle of the park, in more advanced roles and in deeper areas. I have no doubt he could add more goals but he’s not allowed to play that way in Leeds’ team, he’s more of a defensive midfielder."
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