Team previews: Will Juventus’ attack fulfill its potential?
By Kai Henson
Moise Kean
Moise Kean has been loaned out from, loaned to and permanently signed by Juventus throughout his career. The Bianconeri made his most recent loan from Everton permanent at the start of this summer for a fee of €30 million.
Another player in the squad under 25 years old and brimming with potential, Kean still seeks a true breakout season. Unfortunately, it’s hard to predict which version of the Italian international will show up each night. One minute he could be scoring three goals in two games, and the next receiving one of the fastest red cards in Serie A history. Kean was sent off 40 seconds after coming on against Roma in early March.
It was an underwhelming 2022-23 for the forward, delivering eight goals across 40 appearances in all competitions. His professional peak came in the form of 13 Ligue 1 goals in 26 games for PSG back in 2020-21.
The best case scenario for Juve is Kean becoming a reliable starting striker alongside Vlahovic and allowing Chiesa to shift back to the left wing. But, the 23-year-old realizing his grand potential remains a mystery.
Arkadiusz Milik
Former Napoli forward Arkadiusz Milik had a hot start to his Juventus career but was unable to sustain it throughout 2022-23. He scored four times in his first seven games with the club, but finished the season with nine in 39 total appearances.
At 29 years old, Milik provides experience amidst a very young group of attacking players. Best served as a backup striker, he should fill that role well this year. Despite his recent dips in form, Milik knows the league well and scored 17 Serie A goals for Napoli in 2018-19.
Juve paid €7 million in July to make the Polish international’s loan from Marseille permanent. The move ensured depth up front and a player who can spot start when Vlahovic needs a rest. And, in his last competitive outing, a 3-2 Euro qualifying loss to Moldova in June, Milik notched both a goal and an assist for Poland.
If nothing else, the elder statesmen of the front line can hopefully guide Juventus’ attackers to fulfill their potential in 2023-24.