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3 ways Massimiliano Allegri could use Dusan Vlahovic at Juventus

By James Cormack

STADIO OLIMPICO GRANDE TORINO, TURIN, ITALY - 2022/01/10: Dusan Vlahovic of ACF Fiorentina looks on prior to the Serie A football match between Torino FC and ACF Fiorentina. Torino FC won 4-0 over ACF Fiorentina. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
STADIO OLIMPICO GRANDE TORINO, TURIN, ITALY - 2022/01/10: Dusan Vlahovic of ACF Fiorentina looks on prior to the Serie A football match between Torino FC and ACF Fiorentina. Torino FC won 4-0 over ACF Fiorentina. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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2. Partnering Paulo Dybala in 4-4-2

Paulo Dybala’s future at Juventus remains up in the air. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Paulo Dybala’s future at Juventus remains up in the air. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

While Vlahović has primarily functioned as a lone striker in his senior career thus far and in a 4-3-3 under Vincenzo Italiano, Allegri’s default shape has been a 4-4-2 this season.

This configuration has been almost ubiquitous, but it does alter somewhat in possession. Overall, the functions of players in the 4-4-2 don’t differ dramatically from the 4-2-3-1. The aim is to create a shape that resembles a 3-1-5-1 or 3-2-5 in possession. Should one of the pivot midfielders drop into the backline when Juve have the ball, both full-backs are licenced to get forward and create a 3-1-5-1 with the wide players joining Dybala between the lines.

Earlier on in the season, Juve would create an asymmetrical structure (3-2-5) in possession with one full-back advancing and the other shifting infield to create a back three. Danilo, who has only just returned from a two-month injury lay-off, was crucial in this structure and his absence is why we haven’t seen much of it since mid-November.

Nevertheless, should Allegri utilise the 4-4-2, Vlahović’s function will resemble Morata’s. The Serb will be tasked with merely holding the ball up, playing with his back to goal and bringing others into play. He must be decisive in transition and it’s crucial that he has runners ahead of him. That’s what makes Juan Cuadrado’s inclusion imperative. The Colombian’s their only outlet in Chiesa’s absence!

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