Can Aaron Ramsey, Rabiot, and de Ligt Help Juventus Claim the Champions League?
The recent acquisitions of Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot, and Matthijs de Ligt have injected new life and youth into Juventus, the defending Serie A champions. As they prepare for the 2019-2020 Champions League season, fans and analysts are pondering whether these additions will be enough for Juventus to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of European football.
The Need for Midfield Creativity
In the 2018-2019 season, Juventus demonstrated their mettle in a few tough matches, including a notable appearance in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against Atlético Madrid. However, their possession and build-up play were often too slow, which often allowed opponents time to recover and cover defensively. In the process, Juventus fell short in the quarterfinals against Ajax, a club based in Amsterdam known for their adept use of the counter-attack.
Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot bring much-needed dynamism and creativity to the midfield, where Juventus previously lacked. As representatives from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain respectively, both have proven themselves to be dynamic players capable of driving possession and incisiveness in attack.
Matthijs de Ligt Solidifies Defense
With the retirement of Andrea Barzagli, Juventus have signed Matthijs de Ligt, a young and promising central defender from Ajax. At just 19 years old, de Ligt is seen as a long-term investment for the club, while senior defenders Bonucci and Chiellini are in their late 30s, and Rugani is approaching the pinnacle of his career at 24. This transfer further solidifies Juventus's defense, providing depth and caliber.
A New Era with Maurizio Sarri
The appointment of Maurizio Sarri, former boss of Napoli, as the new coach is set to galvanize Juventus into a more attacking style of play. Sarri is known for his fast-paced, possession-based football, which aligns well with Juventus's recent acquisitions. This style has often been the hallmark of continental heavyweights and is expected to bring a new vigor to the Bianconeri's approach.
The Overwhelming Presence of Cristiano Ronaldo
Despite the influx of new talent, the weight still rests on the shoulders of Cristiano Ronaldo, a player synonymous with the Champions League. As one of the most decorated footballers in history, Ronaldo has a track record of delivering when the pressure is greatest. His influence on the team cannot be overstated, and many experts believe that his presence is crucial for Juventus to mount a serious challenge for the title.
Conclusion: While Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot, and Matthijs de Ligt will undoubtedly contribute significantly to Juventus's Champions League campaign, it is Ronaldo who is likely to be the determining factor for the team's success. With the right execution and tactical setups, Juventus might finally be able to capture their third Champions League trophy, but it will depend heavily on the collective efforts and the individual brilliance of Ronaldo.