Juventus: Bianconeri Rankings For October

The last Serie A games of October have been played, giving us the chance to assess the performance of the players over the month.

Here, their average rating is used to rank them over this six game period, culminating in the "Player of the Month" award. Last month's winner was Gigi Buffon.

The squad has faltered this month with losses to Palermo and Napoli. There have been some positives, though, a draw with Fiorentina added to wins over Siena and Sampdoria.

The squad suffered numerous injury blows throughout October with Del Piero, Sissoko, Marchisio and Iaquinta all missing games.

Coach Ferrara has had a strange month, his decisions either producing stunning results or backfiring spectacularly.

On to the rankings then, which are sure to cause debate. I hope you enjoy the show. Please, feel free to comment.

The Outsiders

Players just missing out on the top ten this month consist of three distinct groups.

First, are those who've missed most or all the games injured—Del Piero, Iaquinta, Marchisio, Sissoko, Tiago.

Then, come those who haven't played well enough to be ranked up there—Poulsen, Legrottaglie, Molinaro.

Last, come two players who didn't play enough to be ranked—Caceres and Giovinco.

Both only made two apperances in October. Both played very well in those games, exceptionally well in Giovinco's case. He scored an 8.5 and a 7, with one goal. Clearly, this would've put him top of the pile.

All these things mean fans of the Bianconeri will hope to see more of this exciting young pair in November, as they provide a better option than those keeping them out of the team..

10. David Trezeguet

Average Rating 5.9 - 2 Goals (Last month ranked 9)

-Not played as much as the previous month, with the change in formation.

-Still managed to score two more goals, but has wasted a few chances to add to that total.

As is always the case with Trezeguet, he's contributed little else but as we know, its usually enough.

9. Paolo De Ceglie

Average Rating 6.2 (Last month unranked)

Fast becoming the squads utility man, De Ceglie has been mainly used from the bench. He has been brought on in a number of roles and has never complained. Left back, left wing, holding midfielder, left side of a three: he seems glad to be there and always puts in the effort.

A solid backup, Ferrara must wish more of his reserves had the youngster's qualities.

8. Fabio Cannavaro

Average Rating 6.22 (Last month unranked)

A month disrupted by the non-story drug test failure, Cannavaro has provided leadership to Juve in games, particularly a draw with Fiorentina.

He has suffered from a few blips though, gifting Pazzini the goal for Doria, as well as being below par in the Napoli game.

Juventus needs his positive qualities, and the mistakes are usually rare for him.

With Legrottaglie struggling, he has already become a vital part of this team.

7. Amauri

Average Rating 6.25 - 4 Goals (Last month Unranked)

After September's goal drought came the explosion: four goals in three games. Amauri is showing the kind of form Juventus fans were desperate to see again.

He was key to the club's hot streak, leading the line brilliantly once he found his way back onto the scoresheet.

Unfortunately, the frustration of the Napoli defeat led him to a red card, leaving Juve with Trezeguet as their only fit, available striker.

By the time his suspension is served, Juve will hope to have Del Piero fit, so he carry his form through the ban.

6. Fabio Grosso

Average Rating 6.33 (Last month ranked 7)

A good month from the squads newest member.

He has proved a smart aquisition at left back. He's a solid defender rarely out of position and a great outlet down the left side.

His crosses have become a source of goals, and he is starting to form solid understanding with those around him—Marchisio and Giovinco in particular.

5. Mauro Camoranesi

Average Rating 6.35 - 1 Goal (Last month ranked 8)

Another player who has benefitted greatly from the tactical change. His attacking play has been very influential.

His link-up play with Diego has been good, and consistantly good service to the forwards has been a feature of his play throughout.

He has provide strong defensive cover on the right flank.

He would, however, benefit from a consistent performer behind him, as Grygera and Zebina continue to struggle. Caceres might be the answer.

4. Gianluigi Buffon

Average Rating 6.5 (Last month ranked 1)

Last month's player of the month has not been needed to perform miracles in October, but Buffon still made a number of wonder saves.

Superman has proved his class is permanent, but has been let down a few times by those in front of him.

He was a spectator in the Siena and Sampdoria games, but left unprotected too often in the defeats to Napoli and Palermo.

Still, October is a month to be proud of the world's greatest keeper.

3. Felipe Melo

Average Rating 6.8 (Last month ranked 5)

Fast becoming a fan favourite in Turin, Melo gives his all every time on the field, but seems fully aware of his limits as a player.

He is happy to give the ball to the more creative players in front of him, while providing excellent cover for the defence behind him.

His partnership with Sissoko has flourished in the (too) few games they have started together. When either is missing, so is the teams stability.

When paired with Poulsen he looks a weaker player, which hurts the team as that is when he's needed most.

2. Diego

Average Rating 7.1 (last month ranked 4)

The new formation seems to have re-ignited Diego, with dazzling performances fast becoming his norm.

Free from being the teams only creative source, he has thrived between Giovinco and Camoranesi.

Of the three, he is the most influential, and the most likely to break a game open. However, he is sometimes prone to drifting out of games, as he did against Napoli.

It's easy to forget he has only been in Bianconeri for 11 games, and his lesser performances find some explanation there too.

1. Giorgio Chiellini

Average Rating 7.5 - 1 goal (Last month ranked 2)

A phenomenal month from easily the clubs best player, Chiellini has provided Buffon with cover seemingly single handedly at times, while also chipping in with a goal in the league match against Sampdoria.

His Champions League goal against Haifa was the start of Juve's best spell.

Numerous goal-saving tackles, blocks, and clearances, and overall solid defensive play, make Chiellini Juve's player of the month

November

November sees Juventus away to Atalanta and Cagliari, with a home game against Udinese. In between those games are vital Champions League away games with Haifa and Bordeaux.

Juventus welcomes the return of Alessandro Del Piero. Hopefully the Captain can force his way both into the side, and the top ten.

With Iaquinta injured and Amauri suspended, his return could not come at a better time. Juventus must deliver results in November, as December brings both Inter and Bayern Munchen to Turin.

Thank you for reading this article, keep an eye out for the weekly ratings and the next ranking chart.

Until then, forza Juve per sempre!