How the “Old Lady” can compete in Champions League?
Juventus F.C., popularly known as the “Old Lady” entered the Champions League after an unsuccessful 2009-10 season. They did this after winning the Scudetto for the record 28th time (not counting the two titles they were stripped off due to Calciopoli scandal) remaining undefeated throughout the season in Serie A and their only defeat came in their 2-0 loss against Napoli in the Copa Italia final. Now, the question is, given their domestic success, can they compete in the Champions League against the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester Clubs or Bayern Munich. Let’s try to analyze what they have in their armory.
Buffon – A rock between the sticks
Goalkeepers:
Whenever, one starts naming the best custodians currently in the business, no list can be complete without the inclusion of Gianluigi Buffon. He has finally returned to a good form, might not be the best that he had shown in the World Cup 2006. A much of a reliable person underneath the bars (leave aside his howler against Lecce), can really keep top strikers at bay with his reflexes. Even though he is 33 and might be at the twilight of his footballing career, he still can give 3-4 years with much aplomb. The other option as his back up is Marco Storari who might not be the likes of the Cech, Cassilas, Neuer or his compatriot Buffon but a reliable keeper. This area, Juventus need not bother about for some time down the line.
Defenders:
Italian teams are known to build their teams from back and the current Biaconeri crop is no exception. They can boast themselves off one of the best defenses in the world. With Gigi in the goal and such an astute back four, it is no wonder that Juventus ended up conceding the lowest number of goals in Serie A. Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli form a formidable partnership as the centre backs much like the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand for Manchester United & Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel for Liverpool. Giorgio Chiellini is one of the most complete defenders in the world game. He can play as a central defender in a 3-man centre-back formation and as a left back as well. He is excellent aerially, a very good interceptor, a very good tackler, possesses good positional awareness and is good on the ball. He has the ability to pass the ball well, can provide crosses, can create opportunities through defense splitting passes and can even step in to score occasional goals. He is undoubtedly, one of the top five defenders in the world today. Stephen Lichtsteiner, who is a right-back completes their back four. Very astute, hard working, committed and very good while attacking, he can also play as a winger in either 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formations. Paolo de Ceglie and Martin Caceres (on loan from Sevilla) are the other defensive options available to them. In short, with Buffon in the goal and such a defense, Juventus need not worry at all for any kind further additions to it.
Andrea Pirlo – Conte's masterstroke
Midfielders:
Their midfield is being led by the maestro Andrea Pirlo with Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio in support. This trio makes Juventus’s midfield look like one of the best in the game. Andrea Pirlo with his vision and creativity, is still capable of providing the defense splitting passes which he is known for. Vidal was one of the best purchases under Antonio Conte and can act as a destroyer, possesses a good range of passing skills and has the ability to surprise the opposition by scoring goals from a distance. Marchisio adds to the energy level in the midfield with his tireless running, a bit of dribbling and being at the right place and at the right time to score goals are some of the traits of him as a player. In 3-5-2 formation, the role of the likes of Simone Pepe, Marcelo Estigarribia and Emanuelle Giaccherini cannot be neglected. They provide the necessary width against the opposition that play narrowly. Luca Marrone who plays centrally has shown some glimpses of his talent. I am not adding the likes of Milos Krasic and Eljero Elia who are set to leave Turin, this summer. In brief, if some team can match Barcelona in the midfield, Juventus is undoubtedly one to the teams that can be considered. Again, in this area also Juventus need not to worry. Possible additions of players who can add physicality to the midfield can make Juve, even look better. With Paul Pogba coming, this area is also nearly solved.
Attackers:
This is probably the weakest link of Juventus. With legendary Alessandro Del Piero all set to leave the club, there is nobody else who can match the likes of Ibrahimovich, Falcao or Rooney (to name a few). Alessandro Matri has shown glimpses of his potential with some well taken poacher like finishes, like his equalizer against the arch rivals AC Milan, but throughout the season he has been inconsistent and that saw him fall down the pecking order and resulted in Conte giving chances to Fabio Quagliarella or Marco Boriello. Mirco Vucinic has been a revelation during the business end of the season with his creative abilities, but he too failed miserably in the six-yard box. Fabio Quagliarella can provide the need of a back up striker for cup games while there is no place for the likes of Boriello. Sebastian Giovinco, who is currently on loan to Parma, might also leave Juventus. This is the area which requires at least two reinforcements. Somebody like Olivier Giroud or Klass Jan Huntelaar will be handy. Even players like Edin Dezeko or Robert Lewandowski will suffice their requirements. Bas Dost of Herenveen is a cheaper alternative. If Juventus need to succeed in the Champions League, they need to purchase a clinical striker.
Who will replace "Il Pinturicchio"?
Manager:
Antonio Conte has proved himself to be, a person of substance who is both good in the transfer market with the additions of Pirlo, Barzagli, Bonucci and Vidal and also good as a tactician, who has constantly been found changing the formations for every game to great effect.