The inevitable has finally occurred yet again. Dušan Vlahović’s signing to Juventus from Fiorentina continues the same familiar pattern for la Viola; develop top talent, and see them get pick-pocketed by by their principle rival. Yet this is the type of signing Juventus need. The Bianconeri have struggled for consistency from their strikers this campaign so the Serb’s signing is welcomed for the Juve faithful.
What to Expect from Vlahović at Juventus
So, what will the Serb bring to his new side? For starters, he may just have turned 22 on the day of putting pen to paper, but he truly is the complete striker. At 1.90m, Vlahović is taller than some of the league’s center backs. That is one reason why he is so hard to man-mark. Add that to his tidy footwork and strength, one can see why he is such a challenge to stop.
With 20 goals and 2 assists in 24 matches in all competitions this campaign, if Vlahović can keep this goalscoring form up, Juve will have no problems returning to the Champions League for next season.
Juventus This Season
La Vecchia Signora have found the net 34 times in the Serie A so far through 23 matches. That is the 11th best attack in the league, with the likes of Empoli (37) and Sassuolo (39) having scored more. The only team in the top half of the league with less goals are local rivals Torino. In fact, the Serb has more league goals than Paulo Dybala, Moise Kean, and Alvaro Morata combined (17 to 15).
While they sit in 5th place in the standings, it is clear that something needed to be done this transfer window to bolster the attack.
In his return to the Allianz Stadium touchline this summer, Max Allegri has largely stuck with a 4-4-2 so far. While he has played other systems such as 4-2-3-1, 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 in recent times, it is likely he will revert back to 4-4-2 to accommodate his new signing. Plans are supposedly that Vlahović will be partnered with Morata up front. It was originally thought that the Spaniard would leave in the winter transfer window, but Allegri decided to keep him onboard. How well this partnership will work is another thing altogether.
Vlahović‘s Potential Challenges in Turin
At Fiorentina this season, Vincenzo Italiano has deployed a 4-3-3 from the start, with the likes of Nico Gonzalez, Riccardo Saponara, and Jose Callejon finding Vlahović as much as possible. The Serb would get the ball in the air, and at his feet. The same disaster struck for defenses nevertheless. With the change of system and a strike partner, it will definitely take some adjusting time in Turin.
The other challenge for Vlahović is having another competition to keep in mind. Of course, in Florence it was just Serie A and the Coppa Italia. Now he will almost surely be making his UEFA club competition debut with Champions League football coming up later this month. There is a lot of football left to play, and should Juventus reach the Champions League and Coppa Italia finals, there will be 26 games left. Add that to the 24 matches Vlahović has already taken part in and it will be a full season for Juve’s new number 7.
Vlahović made a name for himself with Fiorentina. Now he is a Juve man. With his reputation for goals, much will be expected from him by the record champs. Fans of The Old Lady have reason for optimism. If the 22-year-old continues to fire on all cylinders, the second half of the season will almost surely be a success for Juventus. Time will tell to see if the 70 million euros paid upfront for Vlahović will pay off.