Serie A 2018-19, Juventus 1-0 Roma: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#2 Mandzukic ‘rises’ to the occasion yet again

Mandzukic popped up with a crucial goal again

The bullish centre-forward from Croatia has enjoyed quite a year. In the summer, he created history when he led his country to a debut World Cup final appearance. A little hangover followed but he has returned to his hard-working best over the past couple of months.

Against Roma as well, the Croatian was decisive in the final third and rose high to plant a header beyond Olsen. The game looked to be advancing towards a goalless first half yet Mandzukic, like many a time before, proved to be the difference maker.

The goal represented the Croatian’s eighth league goal and week by week, he is highlighting why he could be the Old Lady’s most important player.

Mandzukic is a complete team man and doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty doing the defensive work.

Additionally, he is very clever with his movement, thus allowing his teammates to prosper. Moreover, he is as unselfish as they come and is an absolute treat to play alongside.

With Ronaldo coming into the equation this term, the Croatian has assumed an even more integral role.

The Portuguese always likes playing off a target man and in Mandzukic, he has a Benzema-esque player, who would create space, link up the play and let Ronaldo claim all the glory.

The striker’s contract is up in the summer and Juventus need to do everything in their power to keep him in Turin. For all the star names that Juventus possess, Madzukic might just be the most underrated and vital cog of them all.

And by climbing above everyone in the build-up to the goal, he again highlighted his ability to ‘rise’ to the occasion.