How Juventus could line up in the 2020/21 season

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal for Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal for Juventus

Defence: Alex Sandro, Lenardo Bonucci, Matthijs de Ligt, Sergino Dest

After an impressive debut campaign, De Ligt is set to continue playing alongside Bonucci
After an impressive debut campaign, De Ligt is set to continue playing alongside Bonucci

Stand-in captain Leonardo Bonucci is, in all likelihood, set to retain his spot in the starting XI for the upcoming campaign. Veteran defender Georgio Chiellini's injury-stricken season has seen him miss in excess of 40 games for the Bianconeri in the 2019/20 campaign. Bonucci and Dutch star Matthijs de Ligt are likely to begin the season as first-choice centre-halves.

Alex Sandro was reportedly expected to depart the club amidst Juventus' interest in Atalanta full-back Robin Gosens. However, there has been no further interest reported, and the Manchester United target could end up prolonging his stay in Turin and head into the next season as their go-to left-back.

Right-back was a relatively troubling position for Pirlo's side as Juan Cuadrado, an attacker by trade, has been shoe-horned into the slot in 2019/20. Specialist right-back Danilo has failed to make the spot his own due to his inconsistent performances, leading to just 16 Serie A starts last year.

Reports have suggested that Ajax starlet Sergino Dest could be the man to solve Juve's issues at right-back, and that the Italians have already initiated contact over a move. Should they acquire Dest, the 19-year-old American could provide a long-term solution for their defence.


Midfield: Arthur Melo, Rodrigo Bentancur, Houssem Aouar

Juventus target Aouar was the star of the show against them in the UCL
Juventus target Aouar was the star of the show against them in the UCL

Arthur Melo was unveiled as a Juventus player as part of one of the most controversial deals of the summer. Barcelona approached the Italian champions for their veteran midfielder Miralem Pjanic, and Juve requested for the Brazilian to go the other way. The Old Lady ultimately parted ways with the Bosnian for Arthur, who is set to feature in this new-look Italian midfield.

South American midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is likely to play as a foil for the metronomic former Barca star. Bentancur has been an impressive performer in the heart of Juve's midfield. The all-action Uruguayan will be tasked with doing the dirty work and winning the ball back in the middle of the pitch, and is likely to be the primary source of energy in the middle of the park.

Amidst the host of midfielders linked with Juventus, one player who appears to have caught their eye in particular is Houssem Aouar of Olympique Lyon. The French star was one of the most impressive young players in the recently-concluded UEFA Champions League campaign. He was the Man of the Match during Juve's encounter with Les Gones back in February.

Aouar, a creative midfielder by trade, will undoubtedly add a level of incision to their midfield. The Lyon star impressed with his knack of progressing the ball and being able to resist opposition press with his silky dribbling ability. The 22-year-old averaged a staggering 4.4 dribbles per 90 in the UCL and was pivotal to their run to the semi-final.


Also read: 10 Highest paid players in Serie A

Quick Links

Edited by Sai Teja