Team previews: Will Juventus’ attack fulfill its potential?
By Kai Henson
Juventus’ €70 million man in 2022 hasn’t quite found his footing since moving to Turin. Vlahovic scored 17 goals in 21 matches for Fiorentina to begin 2021-22 which prompted the move. But, he produced the same total in 42 league games with the Bianconeri since.
The Serbian certainly faced an adjustment coming from Vincenzo Italiano’s attack-minded approach to Allegri’s more conservative tactics. Still, the 23-year-old remains a proven top goalscorer in Serie A. Links with Chelsea and PSG were reported over the summer, but a healthy Vlahovic can star at Juve.
Cohesion in the midfield should bolster Vlahovic’s returns as well. And, if Weah provides consistency as Juan Cuadrado’s replacement, production increases as a whole. The 3-1 preseason victory over Real Madrid gave reason for optimism in both of those areas. Positive attacking chemistry throughout culminated in Vlahovic’s 90+5′ tap in.
Juventus’ hasn’t has a 20-goal scorer in the league since Cristiano Ronaldo. If anyone on this year’s roster can reach that level, it’s Vlahovic. He finished with 10 goals in 27 Serie A appearances last year, adding three in eight Europa League outings. A year without the weight of European competition will hopefully allow the striker to return to top form and fitness.
Under pressure to perform and not lacking confidence, Vlahovic needs a strong 2023-24 if he wants to stick in Turin.