For any successful team in football, a strong defence always lays the foundation for the team. Having a solid defence makes sure that the chances of the team to concede goals reduces and it helps them to stay in the game.
Juventus are no exception to it as the current success they are enjoying has been built by a well-organized defence. Gianluigi Buffon, Andreas Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonnuci laid down the foundation of this firm backline for Juve.
But things have changed now. Buffon has left Juventus, Barzagli is 37, Chiellini is 34 while Bonnuci is 31. It is clear that cracks have started to appear in Juve's famed backline as it is quite unprecedented under Allegri that they concede six goals in two games.
Though these players with their experience are capable of filling those cracks, it seems like they won't be able to continue for long and the Old Lady needs young and fresh legs to defend their goal.
According to reports, the Bianconeri hierarchy are looking to rebuild their defence for next season and are looking to sign new defenders
Thus, here are 5 defenders Juventus can target for next season:
#6 Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
Andreas Christensen is a product of Chelsea's youth academy had his breakthrough season last term under Antonio Conte. The Danish international is only 22 years old but he has shown that he can perform consistently at a high-level.
The Chelsea defender is a player who operates with great maturity and brilliant composure on the ball. While he is solid defensively, one of his strongest attributes is his passing.
Though he may not be a physical defender like Chiellini or Bonnuci, his reading of the game and his experience and potential at the age of 22 should be enough to convince the Bianconeri to sign him and make him a cornerstone of their backline in the future.
The former Mönchengladbach defender had very limited game time this season as he has only made 15 appearances in all competitions. He was linked with a move to Juventus in the winter transfer window but a move never really materialized though Juve could return for him in the summer.
#5 Nikola Milenković ( Fiorentina)
The Serbian has made quite a name for himself in Serie A with Fiorentina. The defender is capable of playing at right back as well and has shown good blocking and tackling abilities. His 6'3 frame gives him good aerial ability as well.
Though Fiorentina has been inconsistent in the Serie A, the Serbian has delivered great performances for the club. Also, at the age of 21, his best days are yet to come.
His style of play is similar to that of current Juve defenders in Bonnuci and Chiellini. He likes to use his physicality and he also has Serie A experience as well. He should be a quality buy for the Bianconeri should they pursue him.
The Old Lady have been linked with a move for the Serbian but they are likely to face competition from the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham.
#4 Joachim Andersen (Sampdoria)
Jochim Andreson is a Danish defender who plays in Serie A for Sampdoria. He is 22 years old and he is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder as well. He has made 25 appearances for Sampdoria in all competitions this season.
He is 6'4 inches tall, which gives him a strong ariel advantage. The youngster is very sharp and decisive when it comes to defending inside the box and his physicality allows him to show more dominant displays.
Given his characteristics, he would be the perfect candidate to replace the current crop of defenders at Juventus. He is a good reader of the game can win balls from the opposition. At the age of 22, he is likely to improve and is a talented prospect to keep an eye on.
Juventus have reportedly made contact with Sampdoria for the defender, while he has been also linked with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Inter Milan.
#3 Cristian Romero (Genoa)
Cristian Romero plays in the Italian league for Genoa as a centre back who can also take up duties of being a right back. The Argentinian has made 17 appearances for the Italian side this season.
The youngster is very good at blocking opponents' shots coupled with some effective tackling technique. He is a no-nonsense defender and has mentioned his desire to play for Juventus in the future.
The former Belgrano defender is one of the most promising talents in Serie A right now and his straightforward approach to defending should be a good addition to the Bianconeri's backline for the upcoming seasons.
According to several reports, Juventus have reportedly agreed to a deal with Genoa to sign the starlet in 2020 for a figure close to €30 million. Additionally, Genao's President has already confirmed that Juventus are interested in Romero.
#2 Dávinson Sánchez (Tottenham)
Davinson Sanchez plays for Tottenham in the Premier League. He joined the London-based club in 2017 from Ajax and he has made 26 appearances this season for Spurs in all competitions.
The Colombian is Tottenham's record signing who has improved his game quite a lot under Mauricio Pochettino. The former Ajax defender likes to play short passes and has concentration levels of the highest order.
He has shown great maturity and composure on the ball at just 22 years old. Given the amount of promise he has shown so far, he should be a great replacement for Barzagali or Chiellini. Also, he should be a good long-term solution to the iconic Italian outfit.
Also, the Bianconeri's hierarchy views him as a great addition to their backline and they are seriously considering an €80m for the defender.
#1 Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax)
Matthijs de Ligt is a highly-rated Dutch international who plays for Ajax in the Netherlands. The youngster is also the captain of the Dutch giants who won the Golden Boy Award in 2018.
He is only 19 years old but has shown that he is physically strong and he has good technical abilities to back the hype. Not only that, but he has shown smooth passing skills and is tall enough to go up against the very best.
If Juventus are looking for a future captain or a leader in the dressing room then the Dutchman would be the ideal option. He has already shown that he has big potential that is complemented by his leadership skills.
The Old Lady are keen on bringing him to the Allianz Stadium but they are likely to face competition from the likes of FC Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.