5 Juventus players to watch out for in 2018-19 Serie A season

Juventus ended their 2017-18 Serie A season on a positive note as Massimiliano Allegri’s side went on to lift the title for the 7th time in a row. Though Juventus couldn’t make it to the semi-finals of the 2017-18 Champions League, the Turin side’s performance in the Serie A was a morale booster.

Juventus made it to the finals of the 2016-17 Champions League season and were expected to replicate the same performances in the 2017-18 season too. Massimiliano Allegri had stated that the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo would surely provide Juventus an extra edge in the forward line as compared to the other teams. Allegri also stated that Ronaldo’s presence will help some of the younger players of the team to improve their game and polish their skills by playing alongside the striker.

Although the 33-year-old’s performances haven’t been up to the mark, Allegri was quoted as saying that the striker will be at his best once the season moves ahead. Currently, Juventus are sitting in the top position in the table but the Turin side isn't producing the desired results. Allegri had stated that there are many more games to go in the season and the manager is confident that his side will definitely get better as the season progresses.

He also went on to say that his side has some exceptional talents who can outclass the best oppositions on their day. We take a look at five such players who can play a crucial role for Juventus in the months ahead.

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Keeping in mind last season’s heroics with Real Madrid, Ronaldo hasn’t looked at his best. The Portuguese scored 26 goals in 27 Spanish La Liga games for Real Madrid in the last season with 5 assists to his name. He also registered 15 goals in 13 games in the 2017-18 Champions League season with 3 assists to his name.

His bicycle kick against his current side Juventus in the quarterfinals of the Champions League in April was simply brilliant. Although the striker hasn't been able to highlight his class till now, Allegri has expressed confidence that the striker will be at his best once the season goes ahead.

Ronaldo can outclass any opposition with his individual brilliance. His partnership with Dybala in the forward line will be crucial for Juventus. The 5-time Ballon d’Or winner will be Allegri’s go-to man up front. Every team knows that the flamboyant Portuguese has the ability to take the game away from the opposition with his tremendous runs and Ronaldo will be expected to deliver especially during demanding situations.

#2 Paulo Dybala

Paulo Dybala wasn’t at his best last season but the Argentine can be a real threat for the best defenses inside the box because of his lethal finishes. As per some reports, the 25-year-old’s next destination could be a Spanish club but the deal hasn’t been finalized yet. As long as the striker is at the club, he will surely be a key figure in Juventus' forward line.

Massimiliano Allegri has stated that though the Argentine could not produce 2016-17 season’s magic, Dybala did a decent job last season. He registered 22 goals in 33 games with 5 assists in the 2017-18 Serie A season and will surely be a player to watch out for in their upcoming matches, not only in the Serie A season but also in the Champions League.

#3 Mario Mandzukic

Mario Mandzukic has been the most consistent performer for Juventus since the last 4 seasons. Though the 34-year-old looked ordinary in the 2017-18 season as he could only score 5 goals in 32 games, Mandzukic will be a key figure for Juventus.

The Croatian played an influential role in the recently concluded World Cup for his nation. The striker can be a tricky customer because of his clever moves and his ability to penetrate the rival’s defense with creative dribbles.

Mandzukic is like a fox in the box because of his ability to position himself in goal scoring positions.

Massimiliano Allegri has stated that Mandzukic is a player who has always inspired some of the younger players of the team because of his ability to deliver during crunch situations. He has already scored 2 goals in 3 games in the ongoing Serie A season.

#4 Leonardo Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci will be the heartbeat of the Juventus defense. Bonucci is considered one of the best defenders in World football. The 31-year-old has a wealth of experience playing Italian football and it is his expertise which could prove to be priceless for Juventus.

The Italian can shut out the best attacks because of his brilliant tackles. Bonucci has always excelled during aerial duels inside the box and can be effective in set-piece situations. Bonucci provides a much-needed solidity at the back and will be a vital figure for Juventus in their defense along with Giorgio Chiellini.

Bonnuci was criticized for not performing to the desired levels for Inter Milan in the last season and will be eager to prove his worth this time around.

#5 Sami Khedira

Juventus FC v Benfica FC - International Champions Cup 2018

The German has got all the qualities of a gifted midfielder. The 31-year-old offers a lot of flexibility in the Juventus midfield. Sami Khedira is capable of contributing both offensively as well as defensively. Though the German was criticized for his ordinary performances in the recently concluded World Cup in Russia, Khedira will be eager to prove his worth.

Khedira scored 9 goals in 26 games in the 2017-18 Serie A season with 3 assists to his name. His ability to win aerial duels often helps his side to launch counter-attacks.

Allegri has claimed that the German's commitment towards his team is what makes him one of the best midfielders in the Italian Serie A. Khedira will be an integral part of the Juventus midfield along with the Bosnian Miralem Pjanic.

Edited by Arvind Sriram