Why 15 Goals Is a Realistic Aim for Juventus' Paulo Dybala in 2015/16 Season

As the 2015/16 campaign draws ever closer and clubs begin to finalise their squads, it is only natural to wonder what the forthcoming season might bring for various players and teams. When it comes to Juventus, there are arguably more questions than answers—such is the degree of change that has swept through the reigning Italian champions this summer.

Indeed, there are a number of intriguing new faces to blend into an already excellent side, and while the likes of Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic arrive with a proven international pedigree, it is somewhat more difficult to predict what to expect from Paulo Dybala.

The 21-year-old was comfortably Juve’s most expensive acquisition, with the club’s official website revealing they had spent €32 million—plus a further €8 million in potential bonuses—to bring the striker from Sicilian side Palermo.

Dybala weighed in with 13 goals and 10 assists last term, helping the Rosanero to retain their top flight status after they won the Serie B title 12 months earlier. Given the loss of his compatriot Carlos Tevez—who bagged 50 goals in 96 appearances for the Bianconeri—he will need to deliver a similar return in the season ahead.

After the transfer of the Cordoba-born star was finalised, Palermo coach Beppe Iachini told Tele Radio Stereo (h/t Football Italia) that he “could see that Dybala had great qualities,” when he took control of the team. While explaining the reason for his breakout 2014/15 campaign, the tactician urged caution for the future as he went on to say:

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It was important to move him to being the main striker, which allowed him to see the goal better and make the most of attacking situations. It was an idea that the lad fully embraced, he’s learned better how to protect the ball, and has become what everyone can see; a very unselfish player, as well as a good lad.

He has to find a way to wait for his chance at Juventus, to show he deserves a chance and to play when he gets that chance.

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The Bianconeri will not want to rush the 21-year-old, but it is clear they will expect him to produce quickly given the size of their investment. He showed last season that he can score all manner of goals, finding the net with a variety of chips, volleys and intelligently placed shots from his wonderful left foot.

As the graphic below shows, he did so from all over the box, proving he can be lethal in front of goal when given the opportunity. Thanks to the manner in which Juventus have dominated games under Massimiliano Allegri, it is perhaps reasonable to expect at least 15 goals from Dybala in the forthcoming campaign.

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That figure would represent his biggest tally since moving to Europe, yet with the talent surrounding him in Turin it is a reasonable aim, and the player himself is clearly seeking to improve as he begins life with last year’s Champions League finalists.

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“Playing for a great club like Juventus represents an important step for me,” Dybala said at his inaugural press conference, per the club’s official website. “I hope to develop both as a player and as a person and to become a key member of the team. This is the perfect club to start winning things in my career.”

In time, both he and everyone connected with Italian football’s grand Old Lady would like the Capocannoniere trophy—given to Serie A’s leading scorer—to be among his trophy collection, but for now somewhere between 15 and 20 goals would be perfect.