Liverpool fans should be keeping tabs on Schalke vs Manchester City in the Champions League – live on talkSPORT.
Not only can they check out the form of their Premier League title rivals, they could also hear all about a potential summer signing in Weston McKennie.
In January, Liverpool were linked with a £20million move for the United States international who is now in his second full season at the Veltins-Arena.
It’s no surprise either given McKennie’s incredible versatility which has seen him play at right-back, centre-back, in midfield, and even as a forward this campaign.
Under current boss Domenico Tedesco he’s also used to pressing and hard-running which would allow him to adapt quite well under manager Jurgen Klopp, should he eventually make the move to Anfield.
So what do Liverpool and Manchester City fans need to listen out for? Find out below.
What’s being said about Weston McKennie?
The American starlet turned down a homegrown player contract with MLS side FC Dallas in favour of a switch to Schalke back in August 2016 and his decision is proving wise.
Playing Champions League football at 20 years old is impressive and he’s developing into an incredibly versatile performer.
His preferred role is as a central midfielder who can pinch possession and pass the ball on to his team-mates but this campaign he’s filled in wherever necessary for Tedesco.
On his midfield duties, McKennie told ESPN: “That position requires a lot of running. Stepping out, pressure, come back.
“It’s something that we have learned from Tedesco. You can only teach yourself the will – the heart – to do it. But the tactics behind it? We learned that from him.”
Meanwhile, in a mid-season friendly with Genk last year, his manager finally tried him out as a centre-back in a 3-5-2 and was impressed by his second-half showing.
“We’ve been wanting to try him out in central defence for a while,” Tedesco said. “He’s good in the air, strong and up for anything.”
Last time out against Freiburg he was at right-back but even his manager is unsure of his best position, such is his versatility.
“Weston McKennie is an aggressive leader. He can play anywhere in midfield, in front of the defence or behind the attack, at centre-back in a back three or a back four,” he said last season.
What does Weston McKennie say?
“I can play anywhere except goalkeeper but if the coach asks me to play there, then I would,” joked the 20-year-old, who already displays a mature mentality on and off the pitch.
He remains grounded despite his rise and told Kicker: “I know exactly who I am and where I come from.
“My mom would bust my chops if I suddenly started behaving like a star.”
Against Manchester City
Right now we’re uncertain as to where McKennie will play, although it’s likely to be back in central midfield with Daniel Caligiuri set to return at right-back.
He should start and inject some much-needed energy against Pep Guardiola’s side, who could dominate from the outset and will need to have their play broken up.
It’s a game which should give us a perfect idea of where McKennie is in his career right now and whether a move to Liverpool is actually a viable option.