So many questions///
With the dawn of the new season almost within sight, much remains unresolved with our beloved Juve.
Why are we apparently seeking additions to the front line?
True enough, Morata is injured. The official site suggested 50 days as his time away from potential selection. recent updates report that he is aiming for the Udinese game on the 14th September for his debut. We also have Tevez and Llorente with Giovinco for cover with just one competitive match to play before our new spaniard is available. The ideal situation is to have two players of quality for each position, with the talent scales far from heavily weighted in one direction. If we are to deploy a front two, we have the four. So why are we linked every day with the likes of Podolski, Chiquarito and Shaqiri? At least the latter can play out wide and probably in the hole between midfield and attack, although he is best further forward from what I have seen of his talents.
What formation will we deploy?
Is Allegri set to stick with the tried and tested 3-5-2, at least to begin with? Or will he instantly attempt the metamorphosis to a 4-3-1-2 or variant? I very much like the idea of Evra playing as a LB in a flat back four and vice versa for Lichsteiner or Romulo on the opposite flank. Other than which, I do not see a massive change other than through personnel. Coman seems quick, skillful and interesting. Pereyra needs to be given a set role, though has enthusiasm and willing in abundance. Is it safer to go with what the players know, with what has won us the last three titles? If so, when do we change?
Will Pepe feature?
Much has been written and discussed regarding Conte’s unwillingless to move away from a 3-5-2 without the players to make the change seem viable, with many citing Pepe’s injury woes. The great man is BACK. And seems in decent form, albeit in generally meaningless pre-season affairs. However, a player can only do his best against the opposition he is given, and on that score, Simone Pepe has fared rather splendidly. I see no natural role for him in a 3-5-2 other than as a shoe-horned wingback, yet we have better suited for the task. Aside from his wonderful charisma, or perhaps because of it, Pepe often produces more than the sum of his technical parts. In that regard, he reminds me of Giaccherini, although with the little goblin, it was more about incredible determination, with Pepe, I lack the words to express the ability he has to transform his charisma into potency, yet he does it. He could be as useful as a very solid new signing.
Why are we selling Ogbonna?
Paratici’s words of today clearly suggest Angelo is open to a sale, whether that is due to the player and agent or club, we can have no certain knowledge. However, with so little time to find a replacement before the transfer window closes and the lack of a lengthy run in the first team afforded to a player who showed magnificent form at Torino, I wonder why we are willing to sell him. On top of this, our only natural leader in the backline, Barzagli, is only set to return to training next week, after yet more injury bother. Either we have an alternative lined up (shame we didn’t push for Rugani if that is the case, or retain Sorensen, who remains at the club but seems set on moving) or we are moving to a flat back four, with Caceres, Marrone, Bonucci backing up Chiellini and Barzagli. Which begs another question…namely, will Allegri give Caceres the chance as a fullback?
Are we more convinced of Allegri or more worried, after the pre-season over which he has presided?
I remain convinced that we remain the strongest side in the league, and Allegri knows how to win Serie A. It is less so the change of formation, than the reaction of the squad to his command, which concerns me. Morale seems high, if not decent. Pre-season form is never much to use as a base to form a serious judgment upon…Just ask Man United supporters. Yet where are we, in terms of accommodating our new Mister and hitting the ground running?
Do Pereyra and Coman remain unknown quantities?
I believe they do. Neither has seemed instantly amazing pre-season, but what will happen when the stamp of Official Matches is branded upon our fixture list? In a 3-5-2 will either feature from the start? I doubt it. Only if we alter formation will either player find a starting berth.
Finally…With the signing of Evra, will Asamoah be given a shot in his formerly powerful central midfield role?
Despite his age, I feel the frenchman is superior as a left back, solely in a technical sense. He is smarter on the ball and his passing is better. However, Asamoah brings muscle, hustle and speed to the position. Yet I would dearly love to see him deployed centrally and feel he could prove a wonderful back-up/challenger to Vidal or Pogba. Such is his dynamic box to box potency.
Ok…truly finally of finally…Can Giovinco finally prosper in a Juve shirt?
His pre-season form has been quality. Allegri enjoys possession football, which suits Seba. If he could only fine tune his final product we could be seeing his best season yet in our colours. The fact that we have avoided any mention of him moving on suggests that Allegri believes in his value. I hope he can find the form I believe is within him, and make his mark on Juve as he has always dreamed and we have always willed.
Lastly…Will we improve under Allegri, in terms of success?
I feel we will win the league. We damn well should given our talent superiority over all rivals. In Europe, Allegri has proven himself more canny than Conte, and unless we find ourselves in a group of death, I expect us to progress to the next round of the champions league, and hopefully beyond. Quarter or semi-finals of the champions league. The League title and the coppa italia. That is my prediction. Indeed optimistic, but why not eh!
what are your thoughts?
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