Juventus: 5 players who must step up with Dybala, De Ligt suspended

CB Leonardo Bonucci

Paulo Dybala scores the goals and thus grabs more headlines, as he’s widely recognized as one of the biggest stars in world football. But Matthijs de Ligt will be missed just as much. Some people will still unwisely say that de Ligt has been struggling, but he has been excellent in 2020. Only Sergio Ramos has been better among Europe’s center backs since football’s return.

Leonardo Bonucci has been solid himself, but he’ll need to be mistake-free and even more on alert without de Ligt, who has been sensational in reading the game and putting his body on the line. Bonucci has picked up some silly fouls and been caught sleeping at the wheel, so he must be at his best against a Milan side that can be dangerous.

RW Federico Bernardeschi

Federico Bernardeschi may struggle the most for space without Paulo Dybala on the pitch. The right winger was excellent against Bologna, but he has been back on the downswing since. Bernardeschi has talent, but it rarely shows. His inconsistency has not endeared him to fans, who are ready to see him swapped for a better forward.

Still, Bernardeschi is the starter since Douglas Costa can’t be risked with more minutes, and, honestly, Bernardeschi isn’t bad. He could be an X-Factor for Juventus with Dybala out, but it’s clearly on him to be the one to produce at the San Siro.