Source
r/Juve•
grdivrag

My 2018/2019 squad review

WARNING: Long post ahead!

With the Scudetto in the pocket, I'd like to share my view of the players of this year's squad, together with a KEEP/SELL/LOAN verdict. Feel free to comment and add your own insights. Here we go!

​

Goalkeepers

Wojciech Szczesny - KEEP - Absolute unit and one of the most pleasant surprises this season.

Carlo Pinsoglio - KEEP - :)

Mattia Perin - SELL - When taking into account his performance, wages and how much we payed for him, I can't be anything but disappointed. I'd rather have an academy player in this spot to learn under Woj.

​

Defenders

Mattia De Sciglio - KEEP - He had many weak performances this season and has given me a nice number of grays, but letting him go would be a mistake. There isn't really a better fullback available in this price range, and if he's OK with the backup role, then he should be kept.

Giorgio Chiellini - KEEP - Our defensive wall, but sadly the years are beginning to take their toll. He should be used more wisely in the upcoming seasons and the team should be reinforced with at least two reliable (so no Bonucci/Rugani/Caceres) CBs to fill in for him.

Martin Caceres - RETURN - I like the guy, but sadly he hasn't contributed much. His price and wages aren't high, but again, I'd like to see an academy player to fill the role of the last CB and learn from Chiellini.

Alex Sandro - KEEP - Had some good performances, had some shitty ones, but the reality is that there isn't really a better option on the market (don't start with the whole Marcelo BS) and he's really solid defensively.

Andrea Barzagli - RETIRE - Sadly the years have taken their toll on this legend. I wish him all the best and that the board will offer him a position in the Club.

Leonardo Bonucci - SELL - I really don't know what's worse - all the drama surrounding him or his shit performances on the pitch. It's sad what has become of a great player.

João Cancelo - KEEP - Despite his defensive weaknesses, the best non-Ronaldo signing this year. If he improves his defensive game, I see him as one of the best fullbacks in the next few years.

Daniele Rugani - SELL - Not exactly Bonucci-level disappointment, but a big one regardless. Sell him while we still can.

Leonardo Spinazzola - KEEP - Despite the injury problems, a pleasant surprise. Hope he'll get more minutes next season.

​

Midfielders

Miralem Pjanic - KEEP - Not much to say, can't be replaced but IMO should play in the central midfield with a good DM behind his back.

Sami Khedira - SELL - Thank you for everything, but sadly your body can't handle this level of football anymore.

Blaise Matuidi - KEEP - A player that gives a lot to the team and definitely should be kept (especially given how frail Ramsey is).

Emre Can - KEEP - I didn't like him on the start of the season, but he has really played well in the second half. Definitive keeper!

Rodrigo Bentancur - KEEP/LOAN - Still has a lot to learn, but showing great potential. Should be kept if the coach can guarantee him solid minutes next season (depends on how much midfielders we sign), but if he'll be premanently benched it's better to loan him for a year and continue his development.

​

Forwards

Cristiano Ronaldo - KEEP - Well, the GOAT. Hopefully he'll inspire his winning mentality in the rest of the squad.

Paulo Dybala - KEEP - Controversial one here boys, be gentle with the downvotes. One bad season isn't a reason to let go a huge talent that has given much to the team in the past. IMO he deserves another season to reinvent himself.

Douglas Costa - KEEP/SELL - Another controversial one... His fitness and temper are big issues, but again, last season he has been fantastic and deserves the chance to give more to the team next season.

Juan Cuadrado - SELL/KEEP - His situation is closely linked to DC's. I think that only one of them should be kept because they have been big liabilities this season. Costa's abilities can give the team more, but if Costa will be cashed in for a good sum, Juan should be kept.

Mario Mandžukić - KEEP - Great start of the season, disappointing end. Great player, big game hunter, always gives 120%, but age and injuries are creeping up on him. He must be willing to gradually give his starter position to Kean next season.

Moise Kean - KEEP - The next big thing. He must get more minutes next season, especially against lower-tier teams, but let's not forget he still has a ton to learn and needs to keep humble. Still, he's the Club's future and will explode in 1-2 years.

Federico Bernardeschi - KEEP - Jack of all trades that faces some consistency issues. Despite that, he has grown a lot and I think he'll play a big role in the Club's future.

​

To conclude, I think most of our players are on a very high level, and with targeted signings, tactical adjustments and conditioning changes the team will be a serious contender the all trophies next year. Thanks for the read!

Posted Apr 23, 2019, 10:51 AM UTC

7471
dlugosacCamoranesi•

I largely agree!

​

However, I would still keep Rugani. He is still (relatively) young and has put in countless hours on the bench to one day take a starting spot. I still believe in him.

​

You make a good point with Cuadrado/Costa. Ideally I'd like to see both go, ONLY if we can sufficiently replace with incoming wingers. Alternatively, I'd prefer Cuadrado for 2 reasons: 1) Selling costa will bring more money and 2) Cuardaro is a bit more resilient.

31
funeverdone•

However, I would still keep Rugani.

can´t believe we didn´t sell him to Chelsea. What a deal it was

17
funeverdone•

Cuardaro is a bit more resilient.

Cuadrado is the MdS of our attack. Not good enough to start the important games

11
ComasimioGuy•

I honestly just don’t think he’s good enough, he’s turning 25 in the summer and has put in some disappointing performances, with most of the big teams looking for a CB, he should definitely be cashed in to an Arsenal or Chelsea, with two Centre Backs coming in, if Agnelli can sell Bonucci too

5
grdivragOP•

You make good points. The best scenario would probably be selling both and getting Chiesa as an investment in the future. Berna is solid and has already pulled his, Costa's and Cuadrados weight the last few months, so having Chiesa will only give us more options.

4
22EnricoPalazzo•

Agree w/ this. Sell Bonucci and Costa. Keep Rugani and Cuadrado. Rugani is good. Maybe not great, yet. But he is fine and could develop into great. And Cuadrado offers a different look and provides excitement off the bench. Costa isn't starting material at Juve, but would certainly provide an explosive element for teams that need that speed and dribbling.

0
funeverdone•

De Sciglio - There isn't really a better fullback available in this price range, and if he's OK with the backup role,

The problem is that genius Allegri put him in the most important games of the season. Started 4 UCL games 4 losses. Cancelo is a much better player and puting MdS in gives a message of fear to us and the other team, its ridiculous

18
grdivragOP•

Agree, when I see him in the starting 11, I know we're playing with our pants down. He should mainly be used to patch up the formation in case of injuries and suspensions.

12
polo_am•

Cancelo still hasn’t learn to defend unfortunately. That’s why he keeps starting de sciglio. I’m not saying it’s a good idea but that’s the reason why he does that

6
funeverdone•

The most important thing, a coach with a an attacking approach and a system to put in place. We played all season like shit relying just on individual talent.

Two of our best players don´t even play in their natural position (Pjanic, Dybala) what a waste

15
gobbi97•

I miss the pjanic of rome. With Allegri we never saw and never will see that version of Miralem. Not playing at the center in midfield and very far behind. He needs to play as "mezz'ala" and be involved in the game near the penalty goal. I still remember his goal against milan. Dribbled the entire midfield and defence against milan "messi style" and scored. Never understood allegris logic of playing the playmaker central. Look at all the top clubs. At the center plays a defensive midfielder but with good technique. We need to get Ndombede

2
94BakerBarzagli•

What about Allegri?

12
grdivragOP•

That's a hard one and I really can't make a clear verdict.

The main problems I have with him is his overly defensive play (you could call it cowardice) that makes the matches really hard to watch on occasion, and blatantly having favorites (Mario, Cuadrado, Khedira) while some other players that are in better form constantly get the shit treatment.

Taking that into account, I think that he should be replaced only if we can get a proven, experienced coach that doesn't require an investment of € 500 000 to implement his ideas. Sadly, there aren't many options available who fulfill those requirements, so I think we'll continue with him in the next season(s).

6
Marem-BzhChiellini•

To be fair, an investment of 500 000€ is fine for me

6
grdivragOP•

It's fine for me too, but not for those Financial Fair Play guys...

1
Marem-BzhChiellini•

Are you sure we're talking about 500,000, and not 500,000,000? ;)

1
TheSportsPandaDel Piero•

I largely agree with you except for two points.

- Rugani should stay as a rotation piece. If he doesn't want to, then he should go.

- I'd prefer Cuadrado to stay over Douglas Costa. Because 1) Costa would bring in more money and 2) Cuadrado is better defensively.

10
[deleted]•

But Cuadrado is shit, plays like shit and can't pass or cross. I'd only keep him as bench material against the Frosinones, but he's nothing against any competent team. Hell, even against shit sides he's still ineffective.

0
TheSportsPandaDel Piero•

Cuadrado is a much better flex than DC. We have to look at value and utility. Juan will only be a depth player/supersub as of now. DC has a lot of red flags (which I also pointed out when we loaned him), and has been good. We should cash in on DC now, while we can. DC will bring in a lot more than Cuadrado will. Therefore we should keep Juan and let DC go. Then we have more wage usage for other transfers.

1
[deleted]•

Selling DC and keeping Cuadrado would only make sense if we bring in Chiesa, and to be honest I'd rather sell Cuadrado as well and bring in this kid Orsolini, Juan is THAT useless. I'd rather bring Chiesa and keep DC, but I doubt DC would accept warming up the bench that much.

Tbh, I feel a bit sad about it since he's apparently a great guy, but he's been either injured or useless for at least the last two years.

1
TheSportsPandaDel Piero•

I honestly don't see Juan being as bad as you make him to be. A lot of games, he's playing a bit out of role, and willing to do a lot more defensive duties. He's not an amazing passer - fair point, but he does a lot more overall, than DC does (imo).

Of course, if one of them goes - we're bringing in a replacement. I didn't mention if it's Chiesa or not, but honestly, I don't even know, if Chiesa will be good enough. I almost would see an offensive player to be our next marquee name.

1
Praiseit6Del Piero•

I just don't see us unloading all of our CBs aside from an aging and injury prone chiellini in the hopes we can sign 2 first team CBs to fill in. The club has stood behind rugani for years and after in the investment made to bring back bonucci we would never recoup what we spent on him. I also don't see us selling perin. They was definitely a move toward the future and considering hes young, full of potential and was acquired fairly cheaply in what ended up being a very inflated goalkeeper market last summer. That being said, I do see a big need to reinforce the defense and I think barza will retire and caceras will probably be returned. But I think the rest of the analysis is spot on

7
funeverdone•

Hope Manolas comes in

3
Praiseit6Del Piero•

Yes! And a CB for the future (please let it be de ligt please let it be de ligt). Have also heard varane or umtiti rumored and am on the fence about them both

4
funeverdone•

De Ligt will go to Barcelona and Varane renews with Real, at least it´s what I think.

I would be satisfied with a warriors duo Manolas - Chiellini and Romero as a young prospect.

8
jpjonesy89Dybala•

sadly De ligt wants to play for barca

2
Praiseit6Del Piero•

A boy can dream...

4
polo_am•

I like manolas but I think he’s a bit injury prone....

1
grdivragOP•

Thanks!

Sadly the KEEP/SELL verdicts aren't predictions, let's say they're my wishes for the upcoming season. If I had to predict, I'd say that the club will keep both Rugani and Bonucci, sign Manolas and a younger CB.

1
Dellato88Marchisio•

I'd keep Rugani simply because he's still a good defender (Before all the haters jump on me, I don't think he's what we all envisioned him to be and we need better defenders...) and knows the system and getting rid of all the defenders except Chiellini would be fucking stupid.

We still need depth in CB and he can provide that at a more than adequate level.

6
TheSportsPandaDel Piero•

Agreed. Rugani should be kept for the 4+4 rule, as well as he's still a decent rotational piece to have.

1
mnlgJuventus•

I think the key thing in our season, which some people talk about but it's not brought up as often as I think is warranted, is the incredible barrage of injuries we have had. Pretty much every player with very few exceptions had to take a trip to the infimary and for some players the stay has been long indeed. I think out of how many? 50? 60 matches? this year, Allegri could freely pick his formation without constraints in probably six or seven of them if at all.

While some injuries will always happen, this frailty could be a symptom of something being done wrong. I would put that at the forefront of changes I'd wish to see happening at the club.

4
polo_am•

Totally agree!

4
MrCrosyFino Alla Fine•

Dybala is a waste in 4 3 3. Allegri should balance the squad so he can fit or worst scenario he will leave.

4
Naemus•

A few years ago we had a period of several injuries and when the coaching staff was changed most disappeared. If Costa was fit he's more dangerous in attack than almost anyone else in our mid and gives a dimension we lack everywhere.. Meaning pace.

Rugani for me is a keeper and lastly allegri.

Is it that he makes the most of what he has? To me he has not been a progressive coach. And really since that lost to Bayern a few seasons ago I've doubted his approach to big matches. We hardly ever impose our game or style because perhaps we don't have one? Which is indictment #1 and secondly I personally have issues when a coach struggles to maximise the talent choosing instead to argue player X,y,z cannot play well together. Then sell or something but instead one rots on the bench or some bad rotation policy.

You need to know your best 11 and formation. Case closed.

3
TheBigShrimpSilver Dybala•

I don’t get this. You haven’t given any real reasons to keep or sell half the players. Keep Bentacur because he’s young and has room to grow, but sell Rugani for being the CB version of Bentacur?

Also I’m not sure which Perin you were watching. He was pretty damn good when given his chances, the last thing I’d do is sell him and have to play Pinsoglio.

Again, you also say to keep Matuidi but sell Khedira when they’re essentially the same player, Khedira being better going forward. Both of them need to be replaced.

There’s not going to be a much better CB on the market than Bonucci unless we somehow end up with De Ligt. As much of a meme he’s become to Juventini, he’s not a fucking Serie B player.

3
Dellato88Marchisio•

I love how this sub downvotes everything that remotely goes against peoples narrative that our players are complete shit.

Every time I see someone say anything remotely positive it's either flagged as controversial or in the negatives.

Oh well. I'll stop with this as it's pointless to keep complaining about what the sub has become.

4
TheBigShrimpSilver Dybala•

It’s why I’ve avoided this sub for months. I used to be one of the most active contributors, but they’ve become insufferable. Everyone sucks at football to them. We’re becoming Madrid fans.

5
Dellato88Marchisio•

We're becoming Madrid fans.

fuck

3
SzwedoDel Piero•

Fuck

3
_Titty_Sprinkles_Del Piero•

And then you realize half of the new r/juve were Madrid fans last year and it all makes sense.

2
polo_am•

Agree but I’m still unsure about perin. He alternated good performances with poor ones. Plus all the injuries he had... still, I don’t think there are better second keepers on the market so we should keep him. I think the only ones we might need to sell at the end of the day are khedira (replaced by Ramsey) and costa (replaced by chiesa?). And let’s see how the dybala situation evolves

1
funeverdone•

you also say to keep Matuidi but sell Khedira when they’re essentially the same player,

Matuidi shoudn´t be starting, all he does is run, you and I are better passers than him.

For me we should have been playing Can behind Pjanic and Betencur for a long time.

0
yakoniousmonkCamoranesi•

Maybe I'm just so exasperated after this frustrating season or I'm still in denial with how poorly we've been playing this season, but we have a squad of very good players...right? There's no one in this squad that makes me think 'Why the heck is this guy here?'. Which makes me wonder if a radical change of philosophy (not necessarily manager) is needed more than any player.

​

That said, I think we could do with reinforcements in central defence and midfield - we've relied too much on Chiellini and the dynamics in central midfield have been off or inconsistent throughout the season

3
Marem-BzhChiellini•

I agree with what you said, mostly.

I disagree about selling Bonucci though, and I think Cuadra needs to go no matter who stays. I can't take his shots 30m above the net anymore, and his performances have been slowly declining.

Ah, and of course, I'm tired of seeing "goat" comments everywhere with Ronaldo. I respect him and am very happy that he's here, but i just hope we don't become a RM-like Ronaldo-sucking machine. I understand the enthusiasm though

Cheers juventini

3
grdivragOP•

Agree about Ronaldo and the GOAT part, but in this context it's easier to write that than 4-5 sentences about his abilities that everyone knows. I think that we should take full advantage of his abilities while he remains with us, but the team shouldn't be built around him.

5
ComasimioGuy•

The ideal window would probably be two Centre Backs, a destroyer in midfield and a Winger, with maybe an attacking central midfielder to support a potential Ramsey injury

In: Chiesa De Ligt Ruben Dias N’Dombele

Out: Dybala Cuadrado Rugani Bonucci Caceres

Realistically, it’d probably be: In: Chiesa Manolas Partey

Out: Dybala Costa Rugani Caceres

To win the Champions League you need two top class players in each position. Juve are nearly there but honestly the Bonucci and Midfield issue is so glaring. I’d honestly say Bonucci is nearly as bad as Icardi at Inter, at least Mauro performs on the pitch

2
MrAlphaMale69•

I agree, especially with the reasons u gave to why players should be kept or sold. Forza Juve

2
grdivragOP•

Thanks! Forza Juve!

2
Ceccoso1Dybala•

Nice post. What are the ideal replacements for the SELL players?

2
grdivragOP•

Well, there's the ideal replacements and replacements within a reasonable budget :)

In the back line I'd like to see Romagnolli, Manolas and Romero, for the midfield Ndombele, van de Beek and Brozovic, and on the wings someone like Chiesa or Zijech.

2
LordNaldo11•

I’m thinking the midfield to be the priority. Maybe a guy like Ilkay Gundogan or Adrien Rabiot? They both have contract disputes/renewal problems so we can pick them up for market value or lower

1
LordNaldo11•

One thing I agree with is the positioning of Pjanic. Imo he feels like Modric for Madrid in 14/15, being tasked to be creative while also playing as a DM. While Pjanic has excelled at times in this role, I definitely see him being run to the ground by having to create chances and also defend and screen the back line. Even if he does avoid a Modric-ish collapse for Madrid in that season, it also makes him prone to inevitable inconsistency and fatigue.

As a team gunning for the CL, I definitely think Pjanic should repositioned as a CM (box-to-box maybe) with a more pure DM supporting behind him. An example of the top of my head would be Can and his performance against Atletico in the 2nd leg, running all over the pitch and staying back to smother any potential counters and covering for the CBs and fullbacks.

Potential summer midfield signings that recently popped for me are Gundogan (City) and Rabiot (PSG). Gundogan is reportedly unsatisfied with his bench role at City and wants to move for a starting role. He is a class CM when he gets consistent playing time too.

Rabiot is more of a risk. Obviously his contract dispute with PSG makes him an easier than normal target to acquire. Admittedly he has attitude (and Mom) problems, but he is still young and has loads of potential as a CM too.

2
grdivragOP•

Very good comparison to Modric. He shines when he has a player watching his back (Casemiro in Real, Brozovic in the NT) because he can do what he does best. Gundogan could be a good opportunity, but I hope that spoiled momma's boy Rabiot won't come near Juve... Too much drama and he's surely out of form because PSG holds him on ice...

2
NihilokratPjanić•

Brozovic and Pjanic are not the same nationality. Now, I don't know how Pjanic is positioned in Bosnia's system but he is not playing in front of Brozovic. ;-)

1
grdivragOP•

Neither does Pjanic play in Real with Casemiro...

2
NihilokratPjanić•

Oh wow, I completely meshed together the posts. Sorry, my bad!

2
PressureCerealFranco Causio•

I'd rather keep both Costa and Cuadrado. They play on different sides of the field and are players who are plainly great offensively, which we have struggled with in our winger selection for the past like 10 years it feels like.

1
InsidAeroDybala•

Which players do you think we should sign?

1
grdivragOP•

While trying to keep it real, good targets would be: Def: Alessio Romagnoli, Kostas Manolas, Cristian Romero Mid: Tanguy Ndombele, Donny van de Beek, Marcelo Brozovic Atk: Hakim Ziyech, Federico Chiesa

2
LordNaldo11•

I’m thinking Gundogan for midfield too? Considering his situation at city

2
PearlJamOfficial•

While trying to keep it real

Something you have not done.

0
Sean-Benn_Must-dieDel Piero•

We cant sell cuadrado, arguably the most problematic injury this year. Plus you’re selling all of our defense!!

1