Juventus can’t say no to a Cristiano Ronaldo extension
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly eyeing a one-year extension with Juventus.
If there is a more important player to his team’s success this season than Cristiano Ronaldo, please let me know. Because I am struggling to think of a player in Europe’s top five leagues who makes as profound of an impact as Ronaldo does to Juventus.
Even in the games in which Ronaldo does not score, his very presence lifts the Bianconeri. Look no further than the recent 3-2 win over Genoa. Juve were floundering in the second half until Ronaldo put on his boots and entered the pitch. Hamza Rafia scored the winner, but it was Ronaldo’s dribbling that cleared the path for the youngster to win the match in extra time.
According to Momblano, Ronaldo is ready to sign a contract extension for an additional year, meaning he would like to stay with Juventus through the 2022-2023 season. (His current deal expires at the end of the next season.)
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And if Ronaldo wants to stay for an extra year, how could Juventus say no?
The Portuguese international is on a tear this season with 15 goals in 12 Serie A starts and 13 total appearances in the league. He has definitely been the best player in Serie A, and I’m not sure there’s a way to legitimately entertain an argument that it’s been anyone else. Just look at the difference he makes when he’s on the pitch for the Zebras.
Cristiano Ronaldo is also averaging two dribbles per game and 1.5 key passes per game, according to WhoScored.com, placing him first on the team in dribbles and fourth in chance-creation. So while Ronaldo has just two assists this season, he has done more than enough to help the team create chances, especially when he’s the one running at defenders.
The Bianconeri need Ronaldo, and the 35-year-old is still going strong. You wouldn’t put it past him to have another two seasons of world-class football left in him – if not more. Serie A is a great league for a player over the age of 35 to continue scoring goals. Perhaps Ronaldo’s role with the team will have to evolve once more, but the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar has shown so many times in his career that he is capable of adapting.
Juventus need more players to step up around Ronaldo. Alvaro Morata and Federico Chiesa are on their way, and Weston McKennie has potential. But more consistency from Aaron Ramsey and, especially, Paulo Dybala would be nice. Another superstar, maybe even Paul Pogba, would be a dream, too.
dark. Next. 3 takeaways from Juve's win over Genoa
For now, Ronaldo is leading the way, and Juve know that they can rely on him as their main star. Another year of Ronaldo is something they cannot deny, considering Dybala’s possible departure and the lack of sure-fire goal-scoring talent beyond CR7.