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Danilo among the best defenders in Serie A

By Nicholas Jehamy

BERGAMO, ITALY, FEBRUARY 13:Danilo, of Juventus, celebrates after scoring the equalizer goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Atalanta and Juventus at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy, on February 13, 2022. Atalanta and Juventus drawed the match 1-1. (Photo by Isabella Bonotto/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY, FEBRUARY 13:Danilo, of Juventus, celebrates after scoring the equalizer goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Atalanta and Juventus at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy, on February 13, 2022. Atalanta and Juventus drawed the match 1-1. (Photo by Isabella Bonotto/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /
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As reported by tuttomercatoweb.com, Danilo has been a top-five defender in Serie A through just under one half of the season. Producing consistently for Juventus through the first 18 matches of the season. Danilo has taken on a leading role in the club and has been a significant part of their recent success.

With injuries hindering the Bianconeri this season, especially that of captain Leonardo Bonucci, Danilo has had to step into a more significant role with this team on and off the field. Danilo has donned the captain’s armband in Bonucci’s absence and has lived up to the challenge. He has led them to 8 straight victories and a defense that didn’t give up a goal in 770 minutes.

Danilo is getting up there in age, especially compared to the youth movement we have seen in Turin. His play has said otherwise though, as we have seen a rejuvenated Danilo this season. Showing defensively dominant play that he hasn’t shown since his move in 2019.

Reaching new personal heights.

Danilo is showing us defensive play on another level this season which lives up to the team’s play style and history of great defensive play. Danilo is averaging 2.11 tackles per 90 minutes, his first time averaging above 2.0 since his move to Turin. He also has a 68% tackle percentage against dribbles, 2% off his career-best which he had in 2018 while still playing for Manchester City.

Danilo is also on pace to hit career high’s this season in blocks (1.05 per game), blocked shots (0.58 per game), and clearances (3.27 per game). All of those averages are above those he has hit in previous years not only playing at Juventus but for his whole career.

Leading Juventus on and off the field.

They had named Danilo the vice-captain for Juventus behind Bonucci. This has more to do than just his experience and influence on the team off the field, his play has shown this year why he is fit for the role. Danilo is currently producing as well as anyone on the squad.

With all the injuries we have seen this season, Danilo has had to take a greater role. One that has him leading the team in minutes played, playing 95% of the club’s played minutes. With this high-volume role, Danilo has been a focal point in Juventus’ defensive play style, leading additionally in touches (1,182) and passes (844), with the highest progressive distance on passes for the squad as well (passes traveling towards the opponent’s goal).

His physical play has led the charge as well. He is first in tackles (36), second in interceptions (25), second in clearances (56), and tied for third in assists (2) for Juventus through the first 18 matches.

Playing like one of the league’s best.

Serie A has seen Juventus skyrocket through the table over the last few months. Statistically, Danilo has played as one of the best in the league through this run. Danilo currently is top 5 in the league in completed passes, progressive distance (6,071), and touches.

Defensively Danilo is 15th in tackles, 10th in interceptions, and 11th in clearances. Filling the stat sheet in all defensive categories. Danilo’s combined 61 interceptions and tackles are also 6th in Serie A. This is across all players in the league, not just defenders.

Can Danilo continue this consistent and productive play when the calvary of injured members returns? If Juventus stand a chance of catching Napoli they will certainly need him to. Either way, Juventus has found another leader for one of the greatest defensive franchises in the world.

Statistics taken from FBRef.com.

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