Ranking Juventus' Top 5 Players for November 2015

“November has been very good for us and we recovered some essential points in the Serie A table,” Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri told Sky Italia and Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) this weekend.

He was reflecting on a fourth consecutive victory which has seen his side climb to fifth place in the standings, closing the gap on early leaders Inter, Fiorentina and Napoli. Indeed, since defeating cross-town rivals Torino on the last day of October, the following month saw the Bianconeri notch four wins and one draw.

Scoring nine goals while conceding just two—and keeping three clean sheets along the way—it is little surprise that the coach is pleased with the way his team are now performing. Yet in that same aforementioned interview, Allegri was also quick to note there is still much more to come from them.

“At this moment we can see the team has improved physically, we are sharper and can change tempo at the right times,” he continued. “This squad is capable of learning several different systems and approaches, but we still have lot that can be improved.”

But there remains much to be proud of as Juventus finally round into form, and what follows is a look at the club’s top five players in November, ranked in order of impact on Juve’s results during that time.

5. Mario Mandzukic

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Much like the team in general, Mario Mandzukic struggled for form in the early part of the campaign, but as Juventus have begun to once again dominate matches he has proven vital to the cause.

November has seen the Croatian striker begin to receive the ball in the right areas, as he showed with the only goal of the game against Manchester City. Having also struck in the win at Empoli, a wonderful cross from Paulo Dybala allowed Mandzukic to break the deadlock against a resilient opponent in Palermo.

That came from his only shot on target, and while there is no denying he depends on service, three goals in four outings this month make his impact impossible to deny.

4. Gigi Buffon

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At the opposite end of the field, Gigi Buffon has been as reliable as ever, rescuing the Bianconeri whenever their defence breaks down. He made an incredible stop from Raheem Sterling to protect his side’s 1-0 lead, but it may well be that his leadership before November even began was his most important contribution.

Slamming the performance of his team-mates following the loss to Sassuolo, the club captain told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) that their display was “unacceptable” and went on to say that those who wear the Juventus shirt “must do it justice.”

It seems Buffon’s words hit home, and the team have since registered four wins and one draw, visibly inspired by the words of their on-field leader.

3. Andrea Barzagli

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While Buffon may have been impeccable when called upon, it is thanks to Andrea Barzagli that the goalkeeper has often been reduced to a role as a spectator. Indeed, as statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com show he has averaged 1.3 tackles, 2.5 interceptions and 2.6 clearances per game. 

Tasked with marking Alberto Gilardino and Franco Vazquez as Juve took on Palermo, the defence ensured Buffon did not need to make a single save, completely neutralising the Rosanero attack. Furthermore, while Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini have made mistakes this term, Barzagli has once again been flawless every time he has been selected.

2. Alex Sandro

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With Patrice Evra ahead of him and still performing to a high level, it is no surprise it has taken Alex Sandro time to make his presence felt in Turin. Massimiliano Allegri has eased him into the side, but after seeing the Brazilian weigh in with an assist in each of his last three outings, the coach is in no doubt about his ability.

“Alex Sandro did very well this evening, and he is an excellent signing,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) after the Manchester City clash. “Players like him need to be allowed to settle in, as nobody is ready to give their best in a new environment straight away.”

That tie saw him provide the cross for Mario Mandzukic to net the only goal of the game, while he did the same for Paulo Dybala against Milan just a few days earlier.

1. Paulo Dybala

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Playing as the focal point of attack, Paulo Dybala has been Juve’s most influential player in the month of November, weighing in with two goals and an assist over his five appearances.

His key contribution was undoubtedly that beautifully struck volley that took all three points against Milan, but his assist to Mario Mandzukic against Palermo was almost as important. Players able to open up resolute defences are essential, and Dybala clearly relished the appreciation of his goal against the Rossoneri.

“Leaving the field to a standing ovation from the fans was an unforgettable moment,” he told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) after the Milan victory, adding that “I know that I can do much more.”

That is a daunting prospect for the rest of Serie A but good news for Juventus.