Juventus: A way too early predicted starting XI for 2021/22

RB – Juan Cuadrado

Fresh off his most influential season in Bianconeri colours, Juan Cuadrado should retain his spot at right-back. Allegri sides are typically proficient in wide areas, meaning the Colombian could be in for another productive campaign in 2021/22. Danilo provides sufficient cover at this position.

CB – Matthijs de Ligt

A shoo-in. The Dutchman enjoyed an impressive campaign last time out with his throwback skillset continuing to manifest. However, some refinement is required and Allegri may well be the optimal coach to facilitate De Ligt’s rise to superstardom.

CB – Giorgio Chiellini

There’s certainly a question mark surrounding De Ligt’s partner, however. Merih Demiral has serious potential but his future remains unclear, Leonardo Bonucci endured a pretty poor 2020/21 and is in decline, while Giorgio Chiellini is 36 and yet to sign his one-year contract extension at the club.

He’s expected to renew, though, and Allegri may well opt for the dogged old-timer to establish a right-foot/left-foot dynamic in defence. Demiral should usurp the Italian should he remain on Juve’s books, however.

LB – Alex Sandro

Alex Sandro proved a viable enough option throughout the back-end of 2020/21 despite losing the dynamism that helped the Brazilian establish himself as one of Europe’s premier left-backs at his apex.

Juve may be tempted to invest here but I no longer think it’s a priority, especially with the likes of Danilo, Gianluca Frabotta and Luca Pellegrini all potential cover options. Nevertheless, the sturdy if not unspectacular Sandro should retain his place as Allegri’s favoured left-back option if a Robin Gosens or Nuno Mendes doesn’t arrive in Turin.

CM – Manuel Locatelli

Finally, a fresh face! Manuel Locatelli will be on the move this summer and although Juventus are waiting until after the Euros to pursue a deal, I expect them to outlast the competition for the elegant Italian’s signature.

Locatelli would make an immediate difference to an often mundane Bianconeri midfield and seems the ideal fit for Allegri’s 4-2-3-1 after shining in a similar – albeit more meticulous – possession system under Roberto De Zerbi at Sassuolo. This would be a great move for Juve, who’ll be hoping that his price tag doesn’t inflate in the coming weeks. 

CM – Adrien Rabiot

Providing Juve don’t make the mistake of bringing back Miralem Pjanic, it appears that three players will be competing for the other pivot spot: Rodrigo Bentancur, Arthur Melo and Adrien Rabiot.

I’ve opted for the latter after his superb end to the season, although I expect Arthur to enjoy a prosperous year following a campaign rife with frustration. Bentancur’s 2020/21 season, meanwhile, was miserable and reports suggest he’s on his way to Atletico Madrid (I doubt it).

Nevertheless, should Rabiot partner Locatelli in midfield, he’ll be granted a more conservative function compared to his ‘marauding through the left half-space’ role under Pirlo. And as I’ve previously noted, this should benefit the Frenchman, as should playing alongside an all-action talent in Locatelli.