Juventus v Real Madrid. Player Ratings.
Manninger-
Commendable goal celebrations. Whereas his superior, Saint Buffon claws at the ball with the tenacity of a pitbull, the former Gunners reserve has a worrying tendency to punch…However, as his punches generally shift the ball to near the halfway line, on this count, I can only criticize his distribution, because obviously its harder to direct a punch than it is to catch the ball and throw it to a team-mate. Hardly at fault for the goal, but nonetheless, his performance didnt merit praise. Competent yet disconcerting: 6,10.
Legrotaglie-
Wonderful to see the christian crusader back in action. An indomitable presence in the air, solid on the deck. Maintained his marking duties quietly but comfortably. The defence, centrally speaking, looked impregnable with Legro alongside the awe inspiring Chiellini. Shame he had to leave the fray at half time; we were more suspect as soon as Mellberg replaced him. A steady 7,10.
Chiellini-
A collosus. Devastating in the tackle, often executing inch perfect lunges when any miscalculation would lead to a one on one with Manninger, which means GOAL. He grows in stature with every game and I have no doubts suggesting that he is set to become one of the finest centrebacks on this planet…How he would fare against the Venusians, is another matter…but for earthly consideration, he is the rock upon which the new Juve must be built. Impressive throughout, 9,10.
Grygera-
Lacking support from Marchionni, the czech scumbag made some useful forages forward, mainly in the first half. His positional play and tackling is acceptable, but his lack of decent distribution and pace make me feel that he must be replaced if we are to regain our place as one of europe’s greatest teams. COmpetent, though technically inept, 7,10.
Molinaro-
His crossing was wretched, tackling suspect, and lack of stele in the will palpable. Must be replaced. And soon…A typical, 4,10.
Mellberg-
Seems a shadow of his Aston Villa incarnation. Off the pace, constantly worried, essentially unfit to wear the bianconeri shirt. He didnt cost a penny, and it shows. 5,10.
Sissoko-
He is a beast. And I adore him. Every tackle he made could have resulted in serious injury for himself, his team-mates and his foes. He knows no caution. His only mode is Beserker. Cut through the Madrid attack and midfield like a chainsaw through baby flesh. Such was his desire to battle that he crunched Marchisio, who will now be out of action for four weeks. His passing is improving as is his composure, but his game is all about Seek and Destroy, not flair or creativity. As easy to pass as entering a rabbit hole covered by the hind of a ravenous grisly bear. Outstanding, 10,10. Man of the Match.
Marchisio-
slowly finding his feet in the side. Demonstrated admirable technical prowess, providing the ball from his own half which led to the delightful del piero strike for 1-0. He looks like a potent cocktail of menace and guile. Shame Sissoko mauled him…8,10.
Nedved-
Displayed admirable energy for a veteran, though its clear that his star is now fading fast. Its about time that Giovinco was given the left midfield berth. The only case for Pavel remaining there is that he is more robust than the wonderkid…But the team isnt lacking robustness, its lacking flair, which leads me to wonder why exactly Ranieri is persisting with the czech wolfman. He laid on the second goal for Amauri, but other than that, looked vibrant yet lacking ingenuity. Credit must be given for his efforts as a central midfielder after Marchisio’s unfortunate collision with Sissoko. Still, that isn’t a combination I would like to see again, so lets hope that Poulsen, Zanetti or even Tiago regains fitness soon. a nostalgic 7,10.
Marchionni-
Anonymous. Distribution poor. Should be shot. As expected, 3,10.
Salihamdzic-
Useless at this level. And in this form, I doubt he would make the Gillingham starting XI…a criminal 2,10.
Del Piero-
The juve talisman rolled back the years to score the splendid opener. His technique remains world class but his ageining legs are crying out to be replaced. Inneffectual at free kicks and corners. But for that goal, which was a scorcher, 8,10.
Amauri-
Fought hard, often appearing in his own half in order to help the midfield and defence. Deserved his goal, on workrate alone, but overall, as an attacking tooth he was more grinder than incisor. Room for improvement, 7,10.
Iaquinta-
Not long to impress, but forced Madrid to remember, at a stage when they were swarming the Juve half like locusts on crystal meth, that they had to defend. Clearly unfit, but encouraging to see him back in action because he always causes the opposition problems when he plays, and he knows where the goal is. a cameo, but still worth 7,10.
Recent Comments