The Three Best and Worst Players in Juventus Season So Far

Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021 One comment

Although the 2020-2021 Serie A season hasn’t even reached the halfway point, we’ll take advantage of the current break to review the best and worst performers from the top Italian clubs in the first 14 rounds. In this first edition of the series, we’ll take a closer look at Juventus, where Andrea Pirlo is currently finding some difficult times in his first managerial gig, as the reigning champions now find themselves 10 points behind the league leaders Milan – albeit with a match in hand. So let’s pick out of the tops and flops of Juventus so far in the season.

Disclaimer: While the top players chosen are those who are considered – at least in our personal opinion – as the best performers within the club throughout the first part of the 2020-2021 season, the flops wouldn’t necessarily be the worst performers, but instead they are the players who underachieved based on the expectations laid upon them.

#3 Flop: Leonardo Bonucci

Despite not exactly being a fan favorite among Juventus supporters, Leonardo Bonucci continues to find himself as an automatic pick in the starting formations of the successive Bianconeri managers – from Massimiliano Allegri, to Maurizio Sarri, all the way through Andrea Pirlo.

Perhaps Bonucci’s presence is justified by the continuous absence of Giorgio Chiellini and Merih Demiral, but his performances on the pitch have been on a steady decline recently, with his shocker against Fiorentina being a prime example.

Leo has been undeniably one of the most important players at Juventus throughout the years, but the club must set a smart plan to gradually reduce his role and allow others to rise in his stead.

#3 Top: Juan Cuadrado 

While the likes of Matthijs De Ligt and Weston Mckennie deserved a certain recognition, Juan Cuadrado has barely missed a match this season, and seemed to have just found his ideal spot in Andrea Pirlo’s tactical system.

The Colombian used to be a hybrid winger in Allegri’s lineup, before transforming into a full-back under Sarri last season, but during this campaign, he’s often operating as a right wing-back with a license to go forward.

Although Cuadrado could have finished a little higher in this list if it wasn’t for his foolish dismissal against Fiorentina in the last match of the year, but it must be remembered that Juventus would have found themselves even further away from the top if it wasn’t for his man of the match displays against the likes of Torino and Genoa, as well as his formidable display at the Camp Nou.

#2 Flop: Adrien Rabiot 

Is there anyone who had more ups and downs in 2020 than Adrien Rabiot? The Frenchman took his time before cementing himself as a starter at Juventus, often being left out of the starting lineup in favor of his compatriot Blaise Matuidi.

Nonetheless, the former PSG midfielder suddenly rose to prominence after the restart in June, becoming the club’s most reliable midfielder. But unfortunately for Rabiot, his rise was very short lived, as he was unable to replicate his solid performances from last season during the current campaign.

With the arrivals of Arthur and Weston McKennie, the French international is finding playing time harder to come this season, and his displays weren’t worthy of a starting spot for a top side like Juventus.

#2 Top: Alvaro Morata 

Alvaro Morata probably wasn’t this summer’s top transfer target for Juventus, but a twist of fate brought back the Spanish striker to the club that witnessed his best career performances between 2014 and 2016.

The former Real Madrid youth product has struggled for playing time and goals since his return to the Spanish capital, and latter stints at Chelsea and Atletico Madrid weren’t any better, but fortunately for Morata, he was quickly able to retrieve his best form after his comeback to Italy.

The Spanish international is currently one of four players leading the scoring charts of the Champions League with 6 goals this term, while also scoring 4 leagues goals – and these numbers could have been much higher if it weren’t for the countless offside calls – and his presence has been vital for Andrea Pirlo’s tactical system.

#1 Flop: Paulo Dybala 

As we mentioned above, a flop is basically a player that was unable to meet the expectations laid upon him. And since Paulo Dybala was named as the best Serie A player in 2019-2020, the expectations couldn’t have been any higher for La Joya at the beginning of the current campaign.

Unfortunately for Juventus supporters, their beloved Argentine star hasn’t been able to hit top form this season. Struggling with several physical problems, Dybala has either been absent, or sitting on the bench, and whenever he played he seemed to lack his sharp touch on the ball.

The former Palermo striker will definitely find his feet again, and his countless fans will be hoping that it would be sooner rather than later.

#1 Top: Cristiano Ronaldo 

Who else?! Cristiano Ronaldo is still the most influential player for Juventus and one of the very best players in the world despite being 35-years-old.

The former Real Madrid man is currently leading the league’s scoring charts with 12 goals and doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon.

The importance of Ronaldo at Juventus could be summarized in the team’s deep struggles against smaller oppositions during his absence, as it is clear that the Portuguese legend isn’t only the club’s main star, but also their inspirational leader.

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