Juventus: 3 takeaways from 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv

Juventus picked up the full three points against Dynamo Kyiv in their 2020-2021 Champions League opener. Here are the takeaways.

The Bianconeri knew they needed to put together a professional performance on Tuesday evening after merely drawing Crotone 1-1 over the weekend. Juventus responded in kind, as Andrea Pirlo’s men took care of business on the road, defeating Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 in their Champions League group stage opener.

Let’s take a look at the biggest takeaways from the win.

Aaron Ramsey is going to be an X-Factor for Juventus

Juventus attacking midfielder Aaron Ramsey didn’t have the best of games a couple of weeks ago at the Stadio Olimpico against Roma, but the Welsh star was world-class on Matchday 1 against Sampdoria.

He put in another strong effort against Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League, leading the team with three key passes, per WhoScored.com, and making some clever flicks to set up goal-scoring opportunities.

Ramsey looks like a rejuvenated player under Andrea Pirlo after struggling under Maurizio Sarri. He’s becoming an important player for the Bianconeri, and he could decide some big games in the Champions League this campaign.

Merih Demiral is as safe as they come

Juventus center back Merih Demiral didn’t start the game, but he entered the match in the 19th minute after Giorgio Chiellini was forced off with an injury. The Bianconeri’s defense looked strong with Demiral, who never made a poor decision on the ball and was impossible to get around defensively.

Since he plays for the same team as Matthijs de Ligt, it’s easy for Demiral to get overshadowed in the headlines. But Demiral is also a highly promising young center back who can become one of Europe’s best in the next three to five years.

This performance against Dynamo Kyiv was another reminder of all the positive traits Demiral brings to the table. He plays with heart and with wisdom beyond his years, making him an ideal center back for Juventus.

Juventus have found their striker in Alvaro Morata

What Juventus needed this summer was a poacher who could add to the club’s goal-scoring threat. Without Cristiano Ronaldo available and with Paulo Dybala working his way back from injury, Alvaro Morata needed to step up against Crotone and Dynamo Kyiv.

Considering he scored three goals in both of those games and would have had a fourth if not for VAR, Morata has more than risen to the challenge.

Often criticized for his inconsistency at clubs like Chelsea and even Atletico Madrid, Morata has always looked at home in Turin. He is a more mature player and finisher now, which means he’s looked like an excellent solution for the No. 9 problem Juve faced this summer.