Juventus: Old Juve’s September 2021 Player of the Month
We’re back for our second instalment of Old Juve’s Player of the Month this season. Just in case you’re unaware, this is where we collect every player rating the Old Juve team dished out to the Juventus starters in the given month – in this case, September 2021 – and work out an average.
It was a hectic period following a tame August, with Massimiliano Allegri’s improving Bianconeri playing six times across two competitions following the conclusion of the maiden international break of the campaign.
Thus, to qualify for this month’s award, players had to start at least three of the September fixtures.
We’ve seen some exceptional performers as of late, although individual brilliance was swapped for collective resilience in the recent statement victory over Chelsea.
Summer signing Manuel Locatelli will feel hard done by as he earned at least a rating of 7.0 in four of his five September starts, but his 5.5 score against AC Milan dragged his average down to 6.8, which isn’t enough to get into our top three this month.
So, who are the identities of our high-scoring leading trio for September 2021 and who will be crowned Player of the Month? Let’s take a look.
3rd. Alvaro Morata (Average Rating – 7.0)
Despite missing the Chelsea game through injury, Alvaro Morata’s impressive performances to start the month saw him earn an average rating of 7.0.
The Spaniard scored his first goal of the season away at Napoli before adding to his tally against Malmo and AC Milan. He scored in three consecutive games, all while displaying his tireless attitude out of possession.
Max Allegri will be hopeful of having his first-choice striker available for selection after the international break following his fine September.
2nd. Federico Chiesa (Average Rating – 7.5)
Our superstar. Federico Chiesa barely qualifies for this award as he started just three games in September, but the precocious Italian’s performances in two of those fixtures has helped him to a healthy 7.5 rating.
He returned from injury as a substitute against Milan before earning a start away at Spezia in a crucial game. After Juve fell 2-1 behind, Chiesa single-handedly thrust his side back into the contest by scoring an excellent equaliser before his side snatched a 3-2 victory.
A quiet, for his standards, showing ensued against Sampdoria before he made the headlines once more by scoring the winner in Juve’s statement victory over Chelsea in the Champions League. Chiesa was a one-man attack for the Bianconeri at times, as he persistently troubled Thomas Tuchel’s sturdy defence with his pace and persistence.
However, Chiesa will have to settle for second this time around.
1st. Matthijs de Ligt (Average Rating – 7.875)
A deserving first-time winner. Matthijs de Ligt’s excellent end to September has earned him Old Juve’s Player of the Month award.
The Dutchman got over a frustrating start to the season to become a fixture in Allegri’s defence. De Ligt scored the all-important winner away at Spezia that ignited the Bianconeri’s upturn in form. He was stout against Sampdoria, while he put in an imperious display against Chelsea amid a remarkable collective effort from the Old Lady.
De Ligt’s display that night was exactly why Juventus spent the big bucks to bring him to Turin, and his 9.0 rating has lifted him to this prestigious award – you’ll see it under ‘Individual Honours’ on his Wikipedia page very soon.