Euro 2020: How the Juventus stars fared on Matchday 2
We took you through how the Juventus stars fared on Matchday 1 of the Euros, so it’s only right that we delved into Matchday 2 as well.
While the latter didn’t entertain quite like its predecessor, Juventini were nonetheless treated to ten Bianconeri players taking the field for their respective nations.
Here’s how they got on this time around.
Italy – Federico Bernardeschi, Leonardo Bonucci, Federico Chiesa & Giorgio Chiellini
It was Juventus transfer target Manuel Locatelli who stole the show for Italy on Matchday 2 as the current Bianconeri quartet endured quiet outings.
Giorgio Chiellini was forced off in the first half with a thigh strain after he thought he’d opened the scoring before VAR intervened, while Leonardo Bonucci was steady but rarely tested. The Juve skipper notched an interception and three clearances.
Federico Bernardeschi was an unused sub, while Federico Chiesa earned just over 20 minutes of action. Chiesa’s arrival saw Roberto Mancini switch to a 5-3-2 with the Juve star utilised up top with Ciro Immobile. Chiesa was bright off the bench, with his threat in transition distinct.
Turkey – Merih Demiral
Merih Demiral was harshly dropped for Turkey’s second game against Wales, although he did come on as a second-half substitute. The young defender matched Bonucci’s one interception and three clearances in his 45 minutes of action, but his most notable contribution came at the other end of the pitch.
Demiral thought he’d brought Turkey level in the second period only for his thumping header to be superbly saved by Danny Ward.
Wales – Aaron Ramsey
This was vintage Aaron Ramsey.
After a forgettable outing against the Swiss, Ramsey starred against Turkey in an impressive Welsh victory. He covered almost every blade of grass from an all-action midfield role.
The Juve midfielder had more touches than any other Wales player (67), the most in the opposition box (nine), while also making seven ball recoveries in the defensive third. Ramsey’s 41 ball carries also led the Welsh side, with his four tackles and interceptions ranking joint-second.
This was an all-encompassing display topped off with an archetypal Ramsey goal. The midfielder ghosted in behind the Turkish defence before Gareth Bale picked him out wonderfully. His cushioned touch to tame Bale’s pass was sublime, while the finish beyond Ugurcan Cakir was cool.
Netherlands – Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt made his first start of the tournament against Austria and enjoyed a comfortable evening. Austria offered little going forward.
Nevertheless, de Ligt performed the majority of his actions astutely, finishing with two tackles, three clearances, a 100% pass completion rate from 40 passes and a touch of cramp. Tidy stuff.
Poland – Wojciech Szczesny
After underperforming on Matchday 1, Wojciech Szczesny responded against Spain to ensure his side earned a point in Seville. Juve’s number one made four saves and outperformed his Post-Shot Expected Goals by 0.7.
His fearless save to deny Alvaro Morata with the goal gaping was special.
Spain – Alvaro Morata
I mean, he did score, but Morata failed to detract the doubters on Matchday 2.
Let’s start with the positives: his goal was smartly taken, his willingness to run in behind was once again obvious and invaluable for a Spain side replete with ball-to-feet players, while his dogged determination in the defensive phase was notable. His combined three tackles and interceptions ranked joint-second among the Spanish players, while his 23 pressures topped the charts.
However, Morata’s 1.2 xG haul highlights his underperformance in front of goal. While Szczesny did superbly to deny him from close range for one chance, his miss after Roberto Moreno’s penalty hit the post was unforgivable. No player has missed more clear-cut goalscoring chances at Euro 2020 than Morata (three).
Sweden – Dejan Kulusevski
Dejan Kulusevski returned to the Sweden squad for their 1-0 victory over Slovakia but didn’t take to the field. Hopefully, we see the dynamic playmaker in their final group game against Poland. Sweden could do with his invention.
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo
While his Portugal side succumbed to Germany’s wing-backs, Cristiano Ronaldo once again enjoyed a productive outing.
The poacher was there to tap home Diogo Jota’s selfless pass following a swift transition for the game’s opener and after Die Mannschaft had torn Fernando Santos’ side apart through stellar wide play, Ronaldo returned the favour to set up Jota for a mere consolation.
Aquaman also notched a team-high three shot-creating actions, seven progressive carries (team-high), two ‘key passes’ (team-high) and an impressive 75% dribble success rate (completing three out of four). Overall, this was a better performance than his Matchday 1 showing despite bagging a brace on that occasion.
France – Adrien Rabiot
More of the same from Adrien Rabiot on Matchday 2, as he returned to his Blaise Matuidi-esque functional role for Didier Deschamps.
His 90.9% pass completion depicted his efficiency, while five progressive passes manifested his capacity to play vertically when required. However, his 48 touches, eighth-most among the French starters, show how he’s often a mere bystander in the possession phase.
France’s territorial superiority against Hungary meant he didn’t put up exceptional defensive numbers either. He registered two tackles before being replaced by Corentin Tolisso.