Why Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba Will Drive Juventus Forward in 2014/15

Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba became the subject of intense speculation this summer, yet in the end it proved to be nothing but idle gossip. The midfield duo were never far from the headlines during the transfer window, with various sources—including the Express' Anthony Chapman—linking them with moves away from Turin.

The Chilean was perhaps discussed most, his prospective move to Manchester United constantly mooted, as the Old Trafford club began to rebuild. Juventus constantly denied they were for sale, with Pavel Nedved, in particular, keen to stress the importance of the pair in their plans for the future.

“Our plan is clear: We want to keep all our best players, including Vidal and Pogba," the former player stated to Denik Sport (h/t Football Italia). That was reinforced repeatedly by fellow director Beppe Marotta and manager Massimiliano Allegri, who both said the players would remain during the final days of the summer.

Indeed, the coach went further still this week, insisting to reporters in Nyon that “right from when I got here, I knew Vidal was not on the market and he would not be sold." Given the player’s importance to the Bianconeri, the coach should breathe a huge sigh of relief that Juventus were true to their word.

Since arriving at the club in 2011, the former Bayer Leverkusen man has established himself as an integral part of this all-conquering side, perhaps becoming its most defining figure. While the impact of Antonio Conte and Andrea Pirlo cannot be denied, the current side is clearly built in the image of the dynamic 27-year-old.

More than the precise, delicate brushstrokes of the Italian maestro’s metronomic passing or the coach’s snarling tenacity, it is Vidal’s drive, energy and quality which mirrors that of this Bianconeri side. His goals are frequently key and since his arrival no player has netted more than his tally of 40 strikes.

In addition, WhoScored.com shows that only one player in Serie A made more tackles last term, highlighting his application to defensive duties. The stats site also shows Vidal—who recorded 11 goals and five assists last term—averaged 1.2 interceptions and 46 passes per game in 2013-14.

Alongside him, Pogba has developed into one of world football’s brightest young talents, displaying abilities almost unparalleled in a player of his tender years. Despite being just 21, the Frenchman has impressed observers almost every time he has stepped on the field, carving out a regular place in an already talented Juventus midfield.

He made 33 starts in Serie A last year, recording seven goals and seven assists, while averaging 2.3 tackles and one interception per game, according to WhoScored. Yet more than simply raw statistics, it is the formidable force they form together that has opponents of La Madama fearing the worst.

Since Pogba arrived in the summer of 2012, the Bianconeri have yet to lose a league fixture in which both men featured for 90 minutes. Their ability and impact on Juve’s performances simply cannot be understated, so impressive have they become in tandem.

It is that combined ability which forms the backbone of the team now under Allegri, with their ability at both ends of the pitch essential to their success. Able to protect the defence, then press forward and join the attack is unrivalled on the continent, with few sides able to call upon two such players.

While selling either would have brought in a large transfer fee that would have helped build for the future, it appears Juve’s management were not prepared to mortgage their present to do so. They held on to both, though it remains to be seen how long that will be the case.

Vidal appears happy and settled in Turin and, despite Manchester United and Real Madrid making enquiries, seems to believe he has found a home. Pogba is more difficult to read, particularly given the nomadic nature of his agent Mino Raiola’s other clients in recent years.

For now, though, Turin’s Old Lady is thriving, thanks to the undeniable ability of Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, the two men to drive her forward in 2014-15.