Juventus: 3 players who must step up with Paulo Dybala injured

Juventus star forward Paulo Dybala picked up a thigh injury against Sampdoria, so these three players must rise to the occasion.

Paulo Dybala has been arguably Juventus’ best player since Serie A’s return, but the superstar Argentine forward will miss the remaining league games of the season and could even miss Aug. 7’s Champions League second leg vs. Lyon with a thigh injury he picked up on Thursday.

If Dybala misses the next several games, these three players on the Bianconeri must shine in the star man’s place.

ST Gonzalo Higuain

It has not been a banner year for Gonzalo Higuain, who is due to be replaced by a younger striker in the 2020 summer transfer window. Arkadiusz Milik and Raul Jimenez are already viewed as short-term options, with Erling Haaland standing as the dream long-term target for the Bianconeri.

Higuain is a serviceable player, though. He did not make the most of his chances against Sampdoria and has struggled since Serie A’s return, but he can be trusted to lead the line. His ability to create for others, specifically Cristiano Ronaldo, will be the main selling point. And he is good enough to get the job done against a mediocre Champions League side like Lyon.

More from Old Juve

• Juventus beat Udinese 3-0 in first match of the season
• Team previews: Will Juventus’ attack fulfill its potential?
• Team Previews: Juventus midfielders need to show growth this year
• Team previews: Juventus defenders look ready to compete for Scudetto
• Leonardo Bonucci may be leaving Juventus soon

RW Federico Bernardeschi

Finally after more than a year, Federico Bernardeschi found the back of the net against Sampdoria. Yes, it was a tap-in, but Bernardeschi had to show good instincts and a cool head to pounce on the opportunity after Sampdoria spilled Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot.

Bernardeschi has been poor throughout the 2019-2020 season, save for one marvelous performance against Bologna upon Serie A’s return.

His passing, movement, and, especially, shooting have all been poor, but Bernardeschi is a good athlete who plays unselfishly.

If that goal can restore Bernardeschi’s confidence, perhaps he can return to being one of the league’s best players and build some momentum before the Champions League Round of 16 resumes in August.

CM Rodrigo Bentancur

Juventus need their forwards to step up the most if Paulo Dybala misses a few games due to injury, but the Bianconeri also need some more creative play from their midfield. Dybala is a good goal-scorer who can score wondergoals from nothing, but his biggest influence is creatively. The Argentine forward’s six assists are second on the team.

First on Juve in assists? None other than center midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who was a substitute against Sampdoria. Miralem Pjanic instead stole the show with an assist, making it three for him in his limited appearances since Serie A’s return.

Bentancur needs to continue to show his future star quality, especially in the attacking end. His attacking quality has been lacking over the past several weeks, and Bentancur, who is averaging more than a key pass and dribble completed per game, must help carry the load.