Juventus 2-1 Hellas Verona: 4 Players who impressed for the Bianconerri | Serie A 2019/2020

Juventus v Hellas Verona - Serie A
Juventus v Hellas Verona - Serie A

Juventus got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Hellas Verona in Serie A at the Allianz stadium.

The Bianconeri have been less than stellar so far this term, and followed up last week's goalless stalemate with Fiorentina with another draw in midweek against Atletico Madrid.

Miguel Veloso put Hellas Verona ahead in the 19th minute after Di Carmine had seen his penalty rebound off the foot of the post.

Aaron Ramsey, however, restored parity with a deflected shot from 25 yards to ensure that Juventus continued their positive run of having scored in the last 13 matches consecutively against their visitors.

Cristiano Ronaldo made sure of all three points when he slotted a 48th-minute penalty down the middle to send the Bianconeri briefly top of the Serie A table.

As expected, several Juventus players stepped to the plate when called upon, and in this piece, we shall be highlighting four players who impressed in the game against Hellas Verona.


#4 Gianluigi Buffon

Buffon made history against Verona
Buffon made history against Verona

Though Juventus' almost utter dominance of the game meant Gianluigi Buffon did not have to do too much, the 41-year-old still made a piece of history.

The former Italian international is no stranger to creating records, having done so on several occasions throughout his legendary career.

By starting against Hellas Verona, it means Buffon has made 902 appearances at club level across his spells with Parma, Juventus and PSG.

This saw him equal the mark set by Paolo Maldini who achieved the feat while representing AC Milan from 1984-2007.

It also means Buffon is just six games away from equaling his record of 647 Serie A appearances, and seven from breaking it.

Though not having much to do for most of the game, Buffon still starred with three clearances, and he made a great save right at the death to preserve all three points for his team.

If there is any man who deserves to break Maldini's record, it is his former teammate, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who is not rooting for him.

One down, seven to go for the Juventus icon.

#3 Aaron Ramsey

Ramsey opened his Juve account with a 25 yarder
Ramsey opened his Juve account with a 25 yarder

After spending over a decade in the colors of Arsenal, Aaron Ramsey decided to swap the red and white of London for the black and white of Turin.

Injury problems saw him miss out on preseason bonding with his teammates, as well as delay his full debut.

Maurizio Sarri handed the 28-year-old his full debut in the game against Hellas Verona, and the Welsh international repaid his coach's faith.

Throughout his time in the Premier League, Ramsey showed a penchant for taking responsibility, and that proved to be the case in a different country.

With Juventus trailing 1-0 and seeking inspiration, Ramsey unleashed a shot from 25 yards which went in the back of the net to draw his side level (albeit through a deflection).

He also starred in other areas, laying on two key passes and playing two long balls with a 100% accuracy, while he also completed 81.8% of his attempted 33 passes. Furthermore, he also tracked back to help out with defending.

Ramsey was substituted for Sami Khedira on 60 minutes, but with his all-round display, he would have played his way into Sarri's reckoning in what would be an intense battle for midfield places this season.

#2 Alex Sandro

Juventus v Hellas Verona - Serie A
Juventus v Hellas Verona - Serie A

Alex Sandro has been Juventus' regular left-back for the best part of the last two seasons, and he has earned plenty of plaudits for his displays down the left flank.

The 28-year-old possesses that buccaneering trait associated with all Brazilian full-backs, and he plays a key role in Juve's attacking arsenal.

Against Verona, the Brazilian international was one of the stars of the show, bossing proceedings down the left flank while also limiting the impact of Davide Faraoni moving forward.

Sandro attempted a total of 71 passes, (which was the highest of all 28 players who graced the field), completing 85.9% of them.

Also, he played in seven long balls, with four of them being accurate while also making four key passes.

Seeing the stats above, one would be forgiven for thinking he is a forward, but Sandro also starred in his defensive duties, making two clearances and interceptions, while also performing one block and two completed tackles.

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo got his second goal of the season
Ronaldo got his second goal of the season

As far as individual performances go, the game against Hellas Verona was not anything exceptional by Ronaldo's extremely high standards, but as expected, he still stepped up to the plate when needed the most.

The 34-year-old was a bit shot crazy in the game shooting at goal an unbelievable 10 times, but rather jarringly, just one of those was on target.

He also made three key passes in the game and completed a modest 70.6% of his attempted 34 passes.

His most important contribution, however, came in the 48th minute, as with the scores tied at 1-1 and very firmly in the balance, Juventus were handed a lifeline when the referee pointed to the spot.

With ice cool nerves, Ronaldo stepped up to take responsibility and put the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the season to give Juventus all three points.

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Edited by Alan John