Juventus: How can you match the heart of Juan Cuadrado?

Juventus defeated Torino 2-1 in the Derby Della Mole behind a world-class display from right wingback Juan Cuadrado.

It looked like Juventus were in trouble. They were down 1-0 to rivals Torino in the Derby Della Mole heading into the final 15 minutes of the match. It appeared Juan Cuadrado had scored an equalizer, but the goal was ruled out due to a narrow offsides decision, with the referee ruling that Leonardo Bonucci had obstructed the goalkeeper’s view of the shot.

Far from being discouraged, Cuadrado took it upon himself to conjure up the winners. He had two early crosses from the right-hand side for two assists, setting up a header for substitute Weston McKennie in the 77th minute and the winning header for Bonucci in the 89th.

Bonucci may have won the game as the captain with the header, but Cuadrado is a key leader for the Bianconeri in his own right and deserved the majority of the credit for his pinpoint delivery.

All season long, Cuadrado has been creating chances for the Old Lady. The Colombian wide man has three assists this season in Serie A with a team-high 2.2 key passes per game and 2.0 dribbles completed per game, according to WhoScored.com.

Cuadrado is Juve’s playmaker and an inspirational figure in the lineup. He is the main creative influence despite playing not only a wider role, but a role in which he often has to defend.

The assists were exceptional and won the match for Juventus, but Cuadrado did so much more on Saturday evening at the Allianz Stadium, as he always does. Cuadrado was physical in defending his teammates in the vicious derby. He had four key passes and five dribbles completed with two fouls drawn. Cuadrado led the way when it came to taking defenders on and making smart, necessary plays to ensure Juventus wouldn’t lose this all-important derby.

A veteran of Serie A, the 32-year-old right back didn’t hide from his defensive duties either. He had three interceptions for the Bianconeri, showing off his intelligent defending and ability to quickly turn defense into attack.

Cuadrado was clutch. He commanded the ball, made all the right plays on both ends of the pitch, and came up with the final ball and the plays the Bianconeri needed in order to win the derby. He has been one of Juve’s top players this season, even if he always gets overshadowed unfairly for the difficult position he plays.

Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and new signing Alvaro Morata steal the headlines, but Cuadrado’s performance against Torino is a reminder that he is also one of the most important players to Juve’s success. On a day in which Ronaldo wasn’t at his best and Morata was suspended, Cuadrado took it upon himself to be the decisive source of quality for the Old Lady. His heart and quality are untouchable, and he is a living legend of Serie A.