Juve are ready to find a club for their top scorer.
For Dusan Vlahovic, the whole period at Juventus is a series of endless trials. When you overcome one thing, the next problem arises. The Serbian is struggling to play in Thiago Motta’s system – and talk is growing louder about the potential departure of the striker, who has become Juve’s main goalscorer in a trophyless era.
Long adaptation, good season under Allegri
Fiorentina have made Vlahovic a rising star in Serie A. The striker has been extremely effective in the Violets’ system and scored 21 goals in 37 league matches during the 20/21 season. The Serbian was very focused on striking and was a classic tip – without active movements on the pitch, false nine role, etc. After the same high quality first part of the 21/22 season, Juventus came to the Florentines. Of course, it was impossible to remove Dusan from the top club.
At the same time, the union did not get off to a good start. As a member of the Turin team, Vlahovic scored only seven goals in the remaining 15 matches of the championship. It was quite difficult for Dusan to play under the leadership of Allegri – a different scheme, a completely different functionality that falls on the striker.
But over time, the parties reached a compromise. Massimiliano moved to a formation with three central defenders, Vlahovic was paired with Chiesa last season. And this group shined. The Serb finally found a sort of goal instinct. 16 goals in 33 matches is not the level of Fiorentina’s best seasons, but it’s still powerful.
Radical change
The fragile balance did not last long. In the spring, the Turin team began looking for a new coach who would return Juve to the championship race. Betting on Motta is a choice in favor of modern systemic football. The complete opposite of what the club was under Allegri. Dusan – and everyone on the team – therefore had to adapt again. A scheme with two central defenders, an attacking game, vertical football, linked to the coach’s settings, and not to the individual qualities of the players.
Now Vlahovic’s stats are at a terrible level. The Serbian striker scored only seven goals in the 20th round, including three from the penalty spot. This is a consequence of the transformations taking place in the Turin club.
Current Juve does not need the Serbian
The difference in player profile and the demands Motta places on a striker is too great. Once again, Vlahovic is a classic, high quality trick. The Serbian is extremely goal-oriented and finishes every attack with a shot, no matter how dangerous it may be. At the same time, the footballer showed great involvement.
It is also important for Motta and Allegri that the Bianconeri finish their attacks with shots. At the same time, for them, the attacker is given broader functionality than the usual carrying out of attacks. The striker must be integrated into the pressing structure and read correctly. Additionally, attackers must actively participate in advancing the ball – this means that the attacker must leave the point and move deeper in search of the ball. Then the finishing goes to the wingers or one of the midfielders.
Vlahovic tried to adapt to the demands of Massimiliano and Thiago. And something even worked with the first one. But this is still not the best option for an alliance. Therefore, the same Motta, according to the latest data, is ready to let Vlahovic go if he can be exchanged for Zirkzee, a player more suited to the coach’s requirements.
Dusan is good – they just overpaid for him
With the exception of the current season, Dusan has always kept his statistics at a stable level (sometimes there have been abnormal seasons – for example the 20/21 campaign). The negative after joining Juventus is rather connected with something else – the “old lady” paid 83 million euros for the striker, although he showed the highest level for only two seasons. He was initially a football player of unproven quality – and from a completely different playing system.
That didn’t stop the Bianconeri – they were too keen to sign the striker. And the situation turned out to be the same as for Manchester United and Anthony. Vlahovic may have been rated at that level – but only in the moment, not remotely. In addition, he received a huge salary – this summer it was noted that Dusan was the highest paid footballer in the current Serie A season. This is despite the fact that in terms of playing he is not the leader of the Turin team. , moreover, he does not participate in the race for scorers.
Such astronomical salary and compensation is rather a miscalculation on the part of management. But all the negativity goes back to the footballer.
Many teams in Europe are looking for a striker
Apparently, this union is not destined to be successful – the stylistic gap between the footballer and the team is too great. In more simply structured teams, Dusan would have been more effective. West Ham could also use a young striker. This is an ambitious project, the owners are ready to spend money to strengthen it. Füllkrug has already been signed this summer, there is also Ings and Antonio – but no one offers the required quality yet. The Hammers’ top scorer in the current championship nuclear submarine – winger Jerrod Bowen.
Maybe a new challenge will help you revive your career – suitable for this Manchester United or Arsenal. The Gunners have struggled to find a striker for years. Last winter, they failed to attract Ivan Tawney. Now Arteta has Havertz as a striker – but he, like Jesus, cannot completely cover the post.
As for the Red Devils, they are looking for a place to place Joshua Zirkzee. The striker has difficulty adapting to the team and does not produce the expected results. At the same time, Motta, the Juve coach, wants to see him. An exchange is requested. Certainly, here too the highest pressure will remain on the player.
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