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Juventus has enjoyed an eventful run in the 2018-19 Serie A season till now, as Massimiliano Allegri's side is firmly in position to defend the title. The Italian Champions are currently at the top in the points table and will be hoping to continue with the same run of form in the season going ahead. If Juventus manages to win the Serie A title this season it will be their 8th win in succession.
The Turin giants have benefitted with the addition of charismatic striker Cristiano Ronaldo as it has made their forward line much more intense. Ronaldo’s inclusion has also infused a lot of pace in the forward line which has also enabled their midfield to function more efficiently.
Juventus's defense has also looked good but still, they need some sturdiness and sharpness. Massimiliano Allegri had claimed that his team's focus is on doing well in the upcoming Champions League games.
Massimiliano Allegri has made changes as per the strengths of the opponents which has worked in his favour, but still, the team needs to work on certain areas. The players are enjoying Allegri’s confidence and it will be interesting to see how they shape up in the upcoming fixtures.
Altogether, the side is looking a strong contender to lift the Serie A title for the 8th successive time. Juventus have players in their dugout who have played a key role for the side and could be crucial for the team’s success in the season going ahead.
We take a look at 5 such players who have been crucial for Bianconeri.
#5 Blaise Matuidi
The Frenchman has got all the qualities of a gifted midfielder and is considered technically strong. Blaise Matuidi was the core of the French team in the midfield that won the World Cup last year.
The 31-year-old offers a lot of flexibility in the Juventus midfield; he has shown that he is capable of playing both offensively as well as defensively as and when required.
The former Paris Saint Germain player is quite intelligent when it comes to his ability to move forward by creating space through the rival’s defence and keeping the ball in possession.
Matuidi has also colluded well with Emre Can and Miralem Pjanic in the midfield. Although he has scored only 2 goals in 20 games in the ongoing season, his one-touch passes have been laden with preciseness.
Matuidi has been a smooth operator during set pieces and has caught the opposition's defence off guard. His ability to win aerial duels has benefitted the forward line to launch quick counter-attacks.
The midfielder has been like a backbone of the team’s midfield and his commitment towards his team is what makes him one of the best midfielders in the Italian Serie A.
#4 Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci has been the heart of Juventus defence and is considered one of the best defenders in world football. The 31-year-old has a wealth of experience of playing in Italian football and it is his expertise which has been priceless for Juventus.
Bonucci is considered as one of the sharpest defenders technically. The Italian is considered quite strong with his tackles as he can shut out the best attacks because of his brilliant tackles. He has always excelled during aerial duels inside the box and has been effective with his set pieces.
Bonucci provides a much-needed solidity at the back as the former AC Milan player has been a vital figure for Juventus in their defence along with Giorgio Chiellini. He has also been a tricky player because of his ability to find the gaps in the opposition’s territory with his precise passes.
#3 Mario Mandzukic
Mario Mandzukic has been the most consistent performer for Juventus since the last 4 to 5 seasons. Though the 33-year-old looked ordinary in the 2017-18 season as he could only score 5 goals in 32 games, he has always been a key figure in the forward line for Juventus
Mandzukic played in a wide role last season but in this campaign, he has been deployed as a forward. The Croatian played an influential role in last year’s World Cup for Croatia.
Known for his hard-working traits on the field, Mandzukic is considered to be one of the fittest player’s in the side. The striker can be a tricky customer because of his clever moves and his ability to penetrate the rival’s defence with his creative dribbles.
Mandzukic is a kind of player who can be handy offensively as well as defensively, as he is technically quite strong. Mandzukic is like a fox in the box because of his ability to position himself in goal scoring positions inside the box and because of his magnificent finishes.
He has always showcased his ability to win aerial duels and has also looked sharp when winning the ball back from the opposition. He will surely be pivotal for Juventus in the knockout stages of Champions League.
Massimiliano Allegri has stated that Mandzukic is a player who has always inspired some of the younger players of his team because of his ability to deliver during crunch situations. He has scored 8 goals in 17 games in the current Serie A season with 5 assists to his name.
#2 Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala hasn’t looked at his best this season but the Argentine has been a real threat for the best defences inside the box. Although the 25-year-old has scored only 2 goals in 19 games in the current season he has contributed with 6 assists.
The Argentine has played a good supporting role to Cristiano Ronaldo in the forward line. Dybala has had an impressive Champions League campaign in the ongoing season netting 5 goals in 5 games. Dybala was linked to a Spanish club but nothing has been confirmed yet.
His superb counter attacks combined with his quick and clever moves has outclassed the opposition. His ability to move in goal scoring positions has always floored the best defences. His incisiveness has added a much-needed bite in the Juventus forward line.
Massimiliano Allegri has stated that though the Argentine could not produce 2016-17 season’s magic, he did a decent job with some clever passes and has been effective during set pieces too.
The striker has been an integral part of the side and will surely be a player to watch out for in their upcoming matches in the Serie A season as well as the Champions League games.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
The star striker has continued with his fine run of form from the last season. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 17 goals in 22 Serie A games for Juventus this season with 7 assists to his name. He will be a key figure for Juventus in the side's upcoming matches in the Champions League as well.
Ronaldo's inclusion has been a big plus for the Turin side as their forward line is looking much penetrative and robust. Massimiliano Allegri has expressed confidence that the striker will be at his best as the season goes ahead.
The 33-year-old has outclassed his opponents with his exhilarating pace and creative dribbles. The striker has the ability to run through the best defences with his powerful runs. Ronaldo has outclassed his opponents with his individual brilliance and magnificent finishes.
His enigmatic and aggressive runs are too hot to handle and his partnership with Dybala in the forward line has been crucial for Juventus. The 5 time Ballon d'Or winner has been Allegri’s go-to man in the forward line.
Every team knows that the flamboyant Portuguese has the ability to take the game away from the opposition with his electric runs and he will be expected to deliver especially during demanding situations in the upcoming matches.
