#4 The most balanced squad
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In Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, the Turin side has a world-class, commanding central defensive partnership which is bolstered by the presence of Buffon in goal and flanked by full-backs Dani Alves and Alex Sandro. Andrea Barzagli and Juan Cuadrado have also played vital roles whenever called upon during Juve’s run this season, providing their manager with the flexibility to tweak formations as required against different opponents.
The Italians can command the centre of the pitch with midfielders like Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira, a defensive forward in Mario Mandukic, and the wings with the help of their full-backs. Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain, meanwhile, form a threatening spearhead in attack, making the most of their chances to score.
While Atletico Madrid have a fabled defence, their attack is not as prolific as the rest of the sides still in the competition (yes, despite boasting the presence of a certain Antoine Griezmann). They have scored just 13 goals, the fewest of the four semi-finalists.
To Juve’s credit, AS Monaco have been stifled at home for the first time in the Champions League this season in the first leg of the semi-final. The prolific Frenchmen have shred apart defences in Ligue 1 as well as in the earlier stages of the competition but up against the Italians, their endeavours came to nought.
However, their unflattering defensive record of a single clean sheet –against CSKA Moscow in the group stage – speaks volumes of a backline that is yet to own the box effectively. It is only reaffirmed by the fact that they have conceded the most goals of the four teams.
Los Blancos have an undoubtedly mouth-watering frontline but there are a fair few gaps in their defence to be exploited. Casemiro has been a rock, shielding his team’s backline ably. However, it has come at the expense of crucial set pieces which Juve have the potency to make the most of. Real Madrid have let in 15 goals in the UCL, second only to Monaco’s tally of 18. In comparison to Juventus’ two and Atletico’s eight goals conceded, that sounds exorbitant.
Given the players, quality and depth of all four teams, the Italians are definitely the strongest in all areas of the pitch – may or may not be man for man, but certainly together as a well-drilled unit.
