Juventus: Full Report Card for Every Position for September
Juventus have enjoyed a perfect start to 2014-15, reeling off five wins from their opening five Serie A matches and adding a Champions League victory over Malmo for good measure. Massimiliano Allegri could not have asked for more from his new side, the coach clearly enjoying life in Turin thus far.
Yet he has not rested on his laurels, urging the Bianconeri to do more and insisting there is more to come from the reigning Italian champions. “Juve can still improve in order to win the Scudetto once again and do better in Europe,” the coach told a press conference last week.
A fourth consecutive league title and a sustained run in the Champions League would make an incredible first season for Allegri, continuing to build on the success enjoyed by Antonio Conte. He has done so thanks largely to the club’s summer transfer campaign, which retained their best players while adding significant depth to the squad as a whole.
September was a good month for Juventus, their six wins in all competitions coming without a single goal conceded, while they have already netted 12 times themselves.
Over the following pages is a look at how the team has performed position-by-position, with statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com unless otherwise stated.
Goalkeeper
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What more can be said about Gigi Buffon? Yet to be beaten this season, the Juventus captain saved a penalty from German Denis last weekend, taking time to point to exactly where the Atalanta striker was about to place his kick.
That stop was followed by a quick throw-out, the smart distribution and alertness of the 36-year-old directly leading to his side netting a crucial second goal. According to Fox Soccer statistics, it was one of only eight saves made by Buffon in Serie A this year, the least of any ‘keeper to play at least 200 minutes.
With six clean sheets already to his name, the Italy star has been ready on the rare occasions he has been called upon, playing with supreme confidence in his own abilities.
Grade: A
Right-Back/Right Wing-Back
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Much like Buffon, Stephan Lichtsteiner has been in excellent early form, the Swiss international having also started all six games thus far. A vital member of the Bianconeri back line, he has averaged 1.4 tackles and one interception per game, proving to be a very difficult opponent for visiting wingers.
Weighing in with a goal and two assists, he has often found himself unmarked when Juventus attack, teams pressing in central areas guilty of forgetting about the former Lazio full-back. Yet his passing has been uncharacteristically poor, completing just 77.8 percent of his efforts according to the WhoScored website.
He will need to improve on that number as the campaign progresses, with Romulo waiting to deputise for him should Allegri decide to make a change.
Grade: C
Left-Back/Left Wing-Back
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Previously a weak area of the team, the left-back slot has certainly been strengthened by the arrival of Patrice Evra from Manchester United. The France international has adapted quickly to life in Italy, playing well enough that Allegri even opted to use Kwadwo Asamoah in midfield against Malmo.
Both men have made three starts, with Evra’s 3.7 interceptions per game the second highest at the club, and each has also notched an assist. Their ability to split the playing time provides two very different styles and approaches, giving Juventus an option that was previously absent.
Grade: B
Central Defence
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While Juventus have suffered with numerous injury and suspension problems in central defence, the ever-changing make-up of the back three has proved to be consistently excellent. No matter who the Old Lady has called into action, the players have been resolute and strong, marching on without ever missing a beat.
The form Martin Caceres had before his injury was discussed here, and the Uruguayan is perhaps the standout performer of the group so far. But Angelo Ogbonna has also impressed, with the former Torino man looking much sharper than he did last term following his difficult move across town.
Giorgio Chiellini has returned from his ban looking as solid as ever, adding extra quality to a back line still missing Andrea Barzagli’s calming influence.
Grade: B
Central Midfield
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Just like in defence, the Bianconeri midfield has suffered, notably with Andrea Pirlo’s hip injury meaning he has yet to play a single minute for the side this term. Claudio Marchisio has deputised wonderfully, leading the side in terms of passes per game (90.2) and completing them at a rate Pirlo would be proud of (89.8 percent).
Arturo Vidal has made just three starts, as his own season has been hampered by a thigh problem sustained on international duty, yet turned in a two-goal performance to see off Cesena last week. Paul Pogba has continued to shine and, while there may be room for improvement in his game, the young Frenchman remains vital to Juventus.
He and Marchisio both are averaging a team-high three tackles per game and have been bolstered by some impressive displays from Roberto Pereyra. The new arrival from Udinese was maligned this summer but has been excellent when called upon this month.
Grade: A
Attack
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So far, 2014-15 has largely been about just one man in the Juventus attack: Carlos Tevez. The Argentinean has been in sensational form, netting six goals in his last four outings to fire the Bianconeri to victory after victory.
Seemingly unstoppable, he has played a vital role as both Fernando Llorente and Sebastian Giovinco have yet to find the back of the net this term. Alvaro Morata’s confidence was boosted by his first goal for the club last weekend, thanking his team-mates "for their continuous support" per the official Juventus website.
With Kingsley Coman also catching the eye but yet to register his name on the scoresheet, the Old Lady will need her other front men to join Tevez in regularly finishing the chances that come their way.
Grade: B
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