Juventus: 3 takeaways from a dream win over Bologna

Alex Sandro can transition to center back

Andrea Pirlo saw that Juventus were in full control of the match, so he made some interesting substations on the last day of the season to experiment. Carlo Pinsoglio even got some minutes in goal, which was nice to see. But one change that should not go overlooked in the aftermath of this awesome win was Alex Sandro playing center back next to captain Leonardo Bonucci.

Sandro played well as a left-sided center back in a back three earlier this season, but I believe this was the first time we saw him in central defense in a back four. And Sandro was awesome. While his physical decline has precluded him from being a real threat in the attack, outside of one standout match against relegated Parma, his mental instincts and reading of the game just keep getting better with age.

Just as Danilo has blossomed this season as a veteran defensive presence and jack-of-all-trades under Pirlo, especially at center back, I believe Alex Sandro can have a successful transition to central defense, particularly in those back three formations.

He was so good at shadowing forwards and reading passes. He’s made some amazing clearances these last few weeks in defense, and Sandro had three interceptions and three clearances in total at Bologna. I think there are great defensive and leadership traits in Sandro, and I’d like to see him make a position change next season if Juve can get their hands on a more explosive left back.