New season, same old problems. This has largely been the case for Juventus since the start of the new campaign. Undoubtedly the tried and tested Massimiliano Allegri inspires more confidence than his younger predecessor Andrea Pirlo, but one campaign after the other, it is becoming clearer that main issue lies within the quality of the players at the recurring managers’ disposal.
Of course, this doesn’t entirely justify the Bianconeri’s spot in the Serie A table, but we can all agree that some weak points in the squad must be addressed as soon as possible. So here are the three playing positions that Juventus must try to bolster in January 2022.
Defensive Midfielder
Since the demise of Miralem Pjanic and his eventual departure in 2020, the Regista role has been a great concern for the Old Lady.
Arthur was supposed to be a younger and more dynamic version of the Bosnian, but he’s been dealing with all sort of issues since his arrival to Turin.
Manuel Locatelli is mostly deployed in front of the defense these days. But while the Italian has been putting on decent shifts, one might suggest that his preferred role remains a box-to-box midfielder.
Aurelien Tchouameni might be the dream, but realistically speaking, Juventus won’t be able to land the Monaco youngster in January (not even in June for that matter).
With his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach set to expire by the end of season, Denis Zakaria could be available for a minimal price.
If this idea doesn’t work, the perhaps the club will resort to an internal solution by recalling one of their youngsters from loan – mainly Nicolò Rovella or Nicolò Fagioli.
Central Attacking Midfielder
Contrary to the general belief, Juventus don’t need a new midfielder. Juventus need at least two new midfielders.
There are times during the current campaign when Allegri opted to play with just two men in the middle of the park. But that was probably out of necessity and due to the lack in quality of the players at his disposal.
Max had always preferred to play with three midfielders, which is why a new Regista alongside Manuel Locatelli might not be enough.
Weston McKennie has been showing signs of improvement as of late, but Juventus still lack a true baller in the middle of the park, someone who can add creativity and allow Paulo Dybala to stay in the final third instead of dropping back to help in the buildup.
Luis Alberto – who isn’t enjoying his happiest moment since Maurizio Sarri’s arrival to Lazio – might be the perfect solution.
But due to the club’s dire financial situation, this will probably require some sort of an exchange deal, and we all know that negotiating with Claudio Lotito won’t be an easy task.
Davide Frattesi is another interesting prospect who’s showing a knack for goals, but Sassuolo will be adamant on maintaining his services at least until June.
So perhaps Allegri will have to work with those at his disposal for the time being.
Center Forward
Even prior to Alvaro Morata’s potential departure to Barcelona, the Bianconeri were already in the hunt for a new striker. After all, the club’s mediocre scoring stats tell the whole story.
At the moment, Dusan Vlahovic is still a pipe dream, while Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca would cost too much for a talented yet unproven goal-scorer.
Despite his off-field antics, Mauro Icardi remains one of the deadliest strikers in Serie A in the last decade, and at the age of 29, he still has a lot to offer.
But the question remains whether Juventus would be able to pull off a deal with PSG in January, as the two sides are reportedly arguing over the formula.
The list of candidates also includes Arsenal outcast Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Manchester United wantaway Anthony Martial and even Fulham’s bad-boy Aleksandar Mitrovic.