JUVENTUS striker Weston McKennie has been hailed as one of the best in world football by his peers after scoring a hat-trick against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in their Champions League semi-final.
McKennedy, who was on loan from Manchester United for the season before, scored three goals in a 5-1 win at the Parc des Princes on Sunday night to help Juventus secure their place in the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who joined Juventus from Manchester United last summer, made it clear that he is not just another striker but a key member of the squad.
"I'm happy to score," said McKennie, who has scored six times this season and added a goal and an assist in his previous two matches.
"Playing with such great players like Ronaldo and Messi makes it even better," he added.
MENENKIE'S FORM IN THE CLASH WITH PSG
The match was a clash between two of Italy's top teams, and the result was a massive boost for the Italian national team.
The French side had already qualified for the quarter-finals of the tournament, while Juventus had also secured their spot in the quarter-finals.
But McKennie's performances were crucial for both teams and the fans, as they both showed why they are considered among the best strikers in the world.
In addition to scoring, McKennie also played a vital role in the formation of the attacking line for his teammates, creating chances for them to score.
The striker's goal in the second half was particularly important, as it set up a potential winner for Juventus, which ultimately won the game.
"It was a really good performance for me and my teammates," McKennie said. "We had a lot of opportunities and we worked hard to get those chances."
He went on to praise the support he received from his teammates during the match, saying: "I wanted to be there for everyone, and I was very lucky to have some great support from everyone."
Overall, McKennie's performances have been a huge inspiration for the rest of the Italian national team, as well as the other clubs in the Premier League.
The striker's contribution to Juventus' success has only served to reinforce the belief that he can become a star in the future.