Juventus: Old Juve’s April 2021 Player of the Month
Juventus’ 1-1 draw in Florence to conclude a busy April leaves Andrea Pirlo’s side in a precarious position in the context of the Serie A top-four race.
Amid their stellar start to 2021, such a demise would’ve been unthinkable. But yet, here we are.
The Bianconeri’s stuttering form since the end of February has fortunately been rivalled by the once high-flying AC Milan, whom Juventus are currently edging out for fourth spot on mere goal difference. It’s a huge five games for Pirlo, with a humbling drop down to the Europa League unimaginable and detrimental.
Il Maestro is in desperate need of his players to step up and, hopefully, the good form that these players demonstrated throughout April will perpetuate during the ‘run-in’ in May, with clashes against both Milan clubs upcoming.
Here’s our Player of the Month award for April.
3rd – Matthijs de Ligt (Average Rating – 6.83)
Comments made by former Dutch footballer Willem van Hanegem raised a few eyebrows in Italy last month, as he described Inter defender Stefan de Vrij as “clearly superior” to countryman Matthijs de Ligt – eight years de Vrij’s junior, no less.
The words may well have served as motivation for the former Ajax skipper, who enjoyed a fine month in Bianconeri colours. Although he rounded the month off indifferently in Florence, de Ligt had previously produced stellar displays against Torino, Genoa, and Atalanta, all while notching his first goal of the campaign in the forgettable 3-1 triumph over Parma.
The young Viking’s evolving relationship with Giorgio Chiellini will be pivotal in helping Juve secure a top-four spot.
2nd – Adrien Rabiot (Average Rating – 7)
Adrien Rabiot’s inclusion may surprise some and, admittedly, I may have helped him massively towards his average rating of 7 in his four April starts by awarding him a 9/10 for his fine display against Napoli.
In hindsight, I overrated him, no doubt. I think I was caught off guard by Rabiot’s competence in a big game.
The Frenchman’s form from the Napoli triumph continued in the victory over Genoa, but he rounded the month off poorly: struggling in the frantic Atalanta bout before needlessly handling in the box to gift Fiorentina a penalty in the recent draw.
Nevertheless, I still don’t think he’s as inept as most Juventini portray, although the club would be wise to get him off their books in the summer. Hopefully, he goes out with a bang in May.
1st – Federico Chiesa (Average Rating – 7.5)
It’s getting a little silly now, Federico. Three in a row! Talk about putting the faltering Old Lady on his back, eh?
The young Italian’s April was cut short by a hamstring injury sustained in the Atalanta defeat, but his four starts this month ensures that he’s eligible for the award and he starred up until his injury setback.
Next. 3 reasons why Juventus must keep Paulo Dybala. dark
Federico Chiesa scored a fine opener in the Torino draw before registering a majestic assist in the Napoli win: bamboozling Elseid Hysaj with some dazzling footwork before setting up Cristiano Ronaldo with a pinpoint driven cross.
The electric winger’s poised to return for the upcoming clash with Udinese and I’m sure the medical team will be concerned about his workload considering the amount of deadweight he’s been carrying in recent months.