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

Alternatives

Juventus have a host of options to call upon
Juventus have a host of options to call upon

There are several players who could be switched out from this XI at various points in the campaign. This could differ from game to game based on injuries, suspensions, workload management, and varying tactical setups. Thankfully for Juventus, they have the luxury to call upon several established stars as well as exciting talents from their bench.

Here are some key alternatives that Juventus have at their disposal to shake up the XI should the need arise.


Merih Demiral for Leonardo Bonucci

Former Sassuolo centre-back Merih Demiral
Former Sassuolo centre-back Merih Demiral

At 33, it would be understandable if Bonucci does not manage to participate in all 38 league games and in other competitions throughout the season. Juventus have a few options available to them, the best of which, arguably, is Merih Demiral. The Turkish defender has the potential to become a titan in defence for the Bianocneri, and would be an excellent deputy to call upon to support De Ligt at the back.


Adrien Rabiot for Houssem Aouar

Rabiot impressed for Juventus particularly since the lockdown period
Rabiot impressed for Juventus particularly since the lockdown period

Former Paris Saint-Germain star Adrien Rabiot moved to Turin on a free transfer last summer, and is an excellent option to call upon. Should Juventus not make a move for Aouar, it is the towering Frenchman who will be expected to start in midfield. Rabiot has, particularly since the lockdown, impressed profoundly with his all-round displays in the middle. He is set to play an important role for Pirlo heading into the 2020/21 campaign.


Weston McKennie for Arthur Melo

McKennie was recently loaned from Schalke with an option to purchase
McKennie was recently loaned from Schalke with an option to purchase

Juventus' latest acquisition Weston McKennie will provide them with a vastly different profile. The American's defensive prowess and energy in midfield coupled with his physically imposing stature is sure to add some steel to Juve's midfield. The 22-year-old has impressed profoundly with his displays for Schalke. He could either close out games in place of Arthur or could be preferred to the Brazilian in a crunch fixture where the Bianconeri need additional defensive cover.


Aaron Ramsey for Paulo Dybala

Ramsey is a potential game-changer from the bench
Ramsey is a potential game-changer from the bench

Although Aaron Ramsey hasn't had the best of debut campaigns for Juventus, there is little doubt over his quality as an all-action midfielder. The Welshman's movement in the final third and eye for goal make him a valuable asset to any team, and the fact that they can call him on to change a game speaks volumes of Juve's depth in the area. He could slot in behind the striker(s) as an alternative option, which could even see Dybala promoted higher up to partner Ronaldo in attack.


Dejan Kulusevski for Luis Suarez

Swedish wonderkid Kulusevski could give Juve's attack a new dimension
Swedish wonderkid Kulusevski could give Juve's attack a new dimension

For all his prowess, it is no secret that Suarez is no longer the menacing, tireless attacker that he once was. It would be difficult to envisage him playing a major chunk of Juventus' fixtures should he move to Italy, and will need to be rested from time to time. Dejan Kulusevski, who spent the last six months on loan at Parma, is the ideal option to spark a change in system.

The Swedish winger is one of the most exciting young attackers in Italy, having scored and assisted 19 goals in 36 games. Kulusevski could slot in on either flank and allow Ronaldo to drift infield and play centrally. They also have Federico Bernardeschi and Douglas Costa to call upon and operate on the sides.


Also read: 5 Transfers which changed football

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