What Is Massimiliano Allegri's Best Defensive Line-Up at Juventus?

It has been another excellent season for the Juventus defence, conceding just 14 league goals thus far. Keeping 14 clean sheets, the Bianconeri have been comfortably Serie A’s meanest side, although they have appeared far more vulnerable than in previous campaigns.

There are perhaps two main reasons for that, with the continued absence of Andrea Barzagli chief among them. The 33-year-old finally made his long-overdue return to competitive action on Monday, a combination of injuries having kept him on the sidelines and forcing Massimiliano Allegri to find other solutions.

With undoubtedly the deepest squad on the peninsula, the Juventus coach has been able to use a number of players in place of Barzagli, but just what is the best back line at his disposal? Allegri has now seemingly settled on a four-man defence, and Stephan Lichtsteiner is almost certain to be part of any ideal quartet.

The Swiss full-back has played an integral role in the team’s success over the last three seasons, and has again made a significant contribution in 2014-15. Weighing in with three goals and four assists, his crossing is a vital weapon in the Bianconeri arsenal, particularly when Fernando Llorente is on the field.

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Often covering the entire right flank single-handedly, the energy Lichtsteiner possesses makes him a difficult opponent for anyone, although he always puts his defensive duties first. According to statistics from WhoScored.com, the reliable 31-year-old averages 1.1 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game.

On the opposite side of the field, Patrice Evra has established himself as the club’s first-choice left-back, and when he is absent from the line-up the team invariably suffers. Watching Simone Padoin—in an unnatural role—attempt to keep up with Mohamed Salah last week was painful viewing, and the former Manchester United man’s experience would likely have seen him take a booking, rather than be beaten in that manner.

With the two full-back roles taken care of, it is perhaps in central defence where this becomes an interesting question. Barzagli’s prolonged spell out of the side has allowed others to step up in his place, but the team has undeniably struggled without the man known as "The Rock" to build their defence upon.

One man who has shined this term is the much-maligned Leonardo Bonucci, now arguably the team’s leading defender. Playing in all but one league game thus far, the 27-year-old continues to be a fine player of the ball, averaging 63.5 passes per game—and connecting with 86.9 percent of his attempts—according to figures from the WhoScored website.

The same source shows he makes 1.2 tackles, 2.0 interceptions and 4.6 clearances per game, leading the back line consistently well and weighing in with crucial goals against Milan and Roma. The choice of who should partner Bonucci remains difficult however, with Giorgio Chiellini visibly struggling to live up to his previously excellent form.

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While WhoScored shows he leads the team in interceptions (2.6) and clearances (5.1), he has all too often been at fault when the side concedes goals. His mental lapses are becoming increasingly costly and it is perhaps time for Allegri to seriously consider replacing him with Angelo Ogbonna in the starting XI.

The excellent service Chiellini has provided to Juventus in his 10 years with the club—not to mention his standing within the game—make that difficult, but the former Torino captain is blossoming into a fine player in his own right.

He trails Chiellini in almost every statistical category, but watching him on the field he is becoming much more assured, and appears far less prone to the kind of errors that have so blighted his team-mate. While there would be an argument to be made for Martin Caceres earning a regular place in the side, Ogbonna fits much better alongside Bonucci, particularly as the versatile Uruguayan is once again ruled out with injury.

Juve’s best defensive line-up: Lichtsteiner-Bonucci-Ogbonna-Evra