Thiago Motta’s Juventus began robust within the Serie A and Champions League, however latest shows have proven at the very least three clear points the Italian tactician should repair, writes Lorenzo Bettoni.
Many had been deceived by Juventus’ back-to-back 3-0 victories over Como and Hellas Verona within the opening league video games and much more convincing Champions League wins towards PSV and RB Leipzig.
The Bianconeri weren’t solely strong. They created goal-scoring alternatives aplenty and even debutants Samuel Mbangula and Nicolò Savona made a direct influence, scoring on their debuts as starters. All of it appeared excellent.
Quick ahead to at the moment, the Bianconeri stay unbeaten in Serie A – the one workforce within the league – however have misplaced defensive stability, and Motta’s ideas will not be all the time seen on the pitch. Moreover, the Outdated Girl is already seven factors behind her ex-coach Antonio Conte, now in command of desk leaders Napoli.
Juventus have already met the Partenopei in Turin in September, gathering one of many three consecutive 0-0 attracts that instructed Motta hadn’t fastened all issues in a matter of weeks.
Three essential points have emerged lately, and maybe Motta received’t be capable of resolve all of them alone earlier than the tip of the yr.
Collapse in defence
Juventus conceded ten targets within the newest six video games throughout all competitions, and it’s undoubtedly no coincidence that issues began after their star defender Gleison Bremer sustained a cruciate ligament damage towards RB Salzburg. Earlier than the Brazilian’s season-ending damage, The comparability is frightening. This absolutely is the primary downside Motta should repair, however it stays to be seen if he’ll give you the chance to take action earlier than the beginning of the January switch
Brazilian veteran Danilo began within the final three video games, conceding two penalty kicks and receiving a purple card. Federico Gatti, a daily starter and the Juventus captain initially of the season, has fallen down the pecking order after a minor damage, whereas Pierre Kalulu, arguably Juventus’ finest defender with Bremer on the sidelines, was shaky towards Stuttgart and Inter and was rested towards Parma on Wednesday. Motta doesn’t have many extra choices on the again and should push for a collective enchancment earlier than the January switch window begins.
Midfield points
There are in all probability simply three ‘untouchable’ gamers within the Outdated Girl’s midfield: Teun Koopmeiners, Weston McKennie and Manuel Locatelli. The latter has proved to be the best holding midfielder for Motta, a job lined by Remo Freuler at Bologna final season. Though Locatelli’s contribution to the build-up has improved in comparison with final season, he nonetheless wants high quality round him, and that’s the place hassle begins. Ex-Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, one in every of Juventus’ largest signings final summer season, has been combating enjoying time and lately sustained a muscle damage that can maintain him out for just a few weeks. Nicolò Fagioli is seen principally as a backup to Locatelli and Teun Koopmeiners, Juventus’ costliest summer season signing, has solely supplied one help in eight appearances.
The Dutchman can also be coping with health points and performed the final recreation towards Parma with safety for his damaged rib. Nonetheless, even when he was match, he struggled to search out the passing lanes that appeared pure just a few months in the past at Atalanta. Koop has typically alternated his place with Kenan Yildiz, generally shifting to the left wing, however his poor aim contributions counsel that Motta nonetheless hasn’t discovered one of the best ways to make use of the gifted Netherlands worldwide on the Allianz Stadium.
Vlahovic alone
The Serbia worldwide certainly will get extra criticism from followers and media than he deserves. The 24-year-old has already scored eight targets in 13 appearances throughout all competitions. However by some means, each time Juventus don’t win or he doesn’t rating (think about when each issues occur concurrently, like final night time), Vlahovic is among the many most criticised. Certainly, he generally misses open targets and alternatives that must be routine for a striker tipped to be among the many finest on this planet. On the similar time, nevertheless, Vlahovic is the one Juventus choice in assault, provided that Arkadiusz Milik will stay out of motion for a number of weeks after present process a brand new The Poland worldwide hasn’t but made his debut underneath Motta and absolutely, one other centre-forward can also be on the Bianconeri’s agenda for January.
Wingers Timothy Weah and Mbangula and attacking midfielder Vasilije Adžić have been launched from the bench the one thrice Vlahovic has been subbed off this season. Kenan Yildiz is one other potential choice for Motta, and maybe for this reason the Turkish expertise was Vlahovic is probably not as ruthless as Europe’s prime strikers but, however the variety of minutes he’s already performed justifies a little bit of fatigue, and the dearth of replacements makes it tough for Motta to determine a plan B.