Juventus is getting beaten pretty comfortably by Atletico Madrid today in the final preseason match before Serie A begins next weekend. It definitely seems like the Juventus squad has the same flaws as in prior years: weak fullbacks other than Cuadrado; an ineffective midfield that cannot connect with the attack; and a disjointed set of players up front. It's definitely unfortunate for Juventus that Pogba and McKennie have both picked up significant injuries right as the season starts.
without weston and pogba they are very much in the same place as last year. a toothless midfield, lack of pace at the back and good players but not difference makers sans chiesa in attack.
Definitely agree. In addition to Chiesa, who was disappointing last season before his ACL injury, they also need Locatelli to play like one of the best midfielders in Italy. Their two big name Italian difference makers didn't really reach that level last year. Juventus has the quality to win Serie A if their best players actually perform at that level and stay healthy, and a few of their older players like Cuadrado can put together one more great season. But if not, they'll be in that awkward 3rd-6th position race once again. And Morata has 3 goals against Juve today - I wonder if this will result in Juventus making the decision to pay Atletico's asking price and purchase him.
Manchester United may be about to purchase Rabiot from Juventus. That would be one competitor for playing time gone, though I suspect Juventus will need to purchase a new midfielder since McKennie and Pogba are hurt. https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/rabiot-manchester-united-juventus-calciomercato-news-8-agosto-2022 🚨 EXCL: Man Utd United working on deal to sign Adrien Rabiot from Juventus. #MUFC must decide if they proceed irrespective of ongoing De Jong pursuit or await outcome of that before deciding. 27yo France midfielder has 1yr on #Juve contract @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/kUM6VeImK7— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 8, 2022
Am i crazy to think Man U should have gone for Mckennie instead? I know they are a mess but an American at Man U would be the ultimate
It was the ultimate in 2004. Now, for some of our players, it would be a step down. McKennie is one of those players.
McKennie has the wrong profile for Manchester United IMO. Juventus likes to push him forward into the attack, while United needs somebody that can control and distribute the ball.
They are still the most popular team in England regardlss of how bad theyve been recently. Its a bigger club than Juventus
bigger club but a miserable situation to be in, even on higher wages I'd imagine. Man U looking to buy Juve's garbage says quite a bit.
I don't think that going to Manchester United is a step down for McKennie. They have issues right now, but they are still one of the most prestigious and historic clubs in the world. And they aren't in the top 4 every year at current, but they are doing it about half the time in the top league in the world. Either way Man U doesn't appear interested, but they also need help immediately in the midfield so it doesn't help them to sign McKennie.
Yes but he's injured for the next month and he also isn't the sort of midfielder they are in need of at current.
No. I wouldn't wish ManU on anyone until team discipline returns. McKennie needs to operate within a stable team framework to maximize what he has to offer. ManU is certainly not stable these days. A Roy Keane presence in the team would probably solve most of the problem rather quickly.
Good deal. My guess is that Kostic will be used more as a wingback, winger, or left midfielder in a 4-4-2 than a fullback. Eintracht Frankfurt confirm that Filip Kostić will no fly with the squad for the UEFA Supercup - as he’s set to join Juventus on permanent deal. 🚨⚪️⚫️ #JuventusFinal details are set to be completed then Kostić will be in Turin to sign the contract. Here we go soon. pic.twitter.com/aFjLdREigX— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2022
No idea,actually but I did see that MU were interested in Rabiot. Ronaldo seemed to enjoy playing with Wes,so maybe his people are agitating for them to make move for him.
My impression of Chiesa pre-ACL was that he was one of the best few players on the team last season. Scratching my head. I was more disappointed in basically everyone else except for the people of whom I had no expectations at all.
Kostic could be just what Juve needs. If Wes can get back to full health and on the pitch he is going to thrive on those left footed crosses. Kostic is an assist machine. Then Juve can put Cuadrado back on the right where he is best at crossing. Great pickup IMO.