As vital as Ronaldo: How McKennie went from bargain-bin buy to one of Juventus' MVPs

The American's loan move to Turin has been made permanent for €18.5m, underlining just how quickly he has become a key part of Andrea Pirlo's plans.

When Juventus made the decision to sign Weston McKennie on a loan deal last summer, they did so because of his obvious potential.

The U.S. men's national team midfielder wasn't quite one of the most heralded youngsters in the world but, after several years in Schalke's first team, he was close enough.

Juve felt he was one for the future – but capable of contributing to the present. McKennie, though, has quickly become more important than even Juventus could have imagined.