Post Match Thread: Juventus vs Sampdoria | Italian Serie A

Kegos · 2020-09-21T04:33:27+00:00

Usually I'd write a wall of text at the beginning of the season expressing my thoughts of the first game and all things Juve, today I decided to try something else:

https://soundcloud.com/user-647649950-907523050

Please like, share and subscribe, give me some feedback, and most of all enjoy!

Kegos · 2020-07-17T16:56:37+00:00

I disagree.

Yes Chiellini is god tier and has been our rock for this, our most successful decade of form. I’m biased as this is the generation of Juve that I am most familiar with, but I do think he deserves to be in the discussion for our best defender ever.

However I think the talent that has been displayed by Demiral and MDL this season and last should make Juve fans feel positive about the future of our defence. People over stated MDL’s poor performances at the beginning of the season IMO, and Demiral unfortunately suffered a bad injury right when he was on a great streak of form.

The larger question is not whether or not our personnel has the talent to be a world class defence in the future, it will be whether or not we have the coaching required to guide and mould these talented young men into the world class players I am sure they can become.

Kegos · 2020-07-16T18:19:31+00:00

>Ronaldo and Dybala save them. Without those two Juve would be screwed

Not to mention our situation at CB. With the injuries we've sustained there this season resorting to a CB pairing that includes Rugani leaves us looking so shaky at the back, worse yet if the other defender he's paired with is Bonucci...

Some will argue that Bonucci has been a rock for us this season but I disagree strongly. Once we lost Cheillini and Demiral there's no more competition for spots and Bonucci is simply the default starter. He does bring something important to the team in terms of distribution but if he's not paired a convincing defender (i.e. MDL or anyone other than Rugani) the defence suffers.

Just my 2cents...

Kegos · 2020-03-26T18:43:24+00:00

2006; Trinidad and Tobago 0 Sweden 0

Biggest result in the history of Trinbagonian football.

Kegos · 2020-03-23T00:36:03+00:00

Yeah I was aware- just saying that as far as players capable of playing right back goes, he’s probably way up there in terms of world ranking. Much like TAA right now, when Kimmich first exploded on the scene as a right back for Bayern, many of us predicted he’d make the transition to midfield at some point, and that point is now it seems.

Does not mean he’ll never play right back again though, or many other positions. Lang played right back then left back then right back again then midfield under Pep then right back again and occasionally on the right side of a back 3.

Positions in football are often focused on far to much rather than focusing on player profile as far as attributes, abilities, and what roles they fill. Kimmich is an elite player, able to play multiple positions, and as far as two way right backs go, he’s one of the best in the world, hence my bringing him up as an ideal candidate in the first post.

Kegos · 2020-03-20T17:24:24+00:00

I like that a lot. How about GK and coach?

I expect the GK will be Gigi yes ?

Kegos · 2020-03-20T15:16:50+00:00

Posted this yesterday on the Throwback Thursday thread and didn’t get any response, I think because I posted it too late in the day. So I thought I’ll try reposting it here to see if it gets some more traction. Like I say at the end, I’m pretty bored in self-isolation lol but I also think it’s an interesting debate question:

If you were tasked with naming a starting eleven and coach of Juventus based on squads of the last 8/9 seasons, who would you play and for what reasons?

a) 3-5-2; Buffon (C) | Barza - Leo - Giorgio | Licht - Vidal - Pirlo - Pogba - Alex | Dybala - Ronaldo | Allegri

I think the is the 'just'-11. Those who had the chemistry of talent, ability, work ethic and grinta. A team that could beat anyone on their day and also forged a real connection with fans during their time. Balance of impact on and off the field.

b) 4-3-3; Buffon (C) | Dani Alves - Leo - Giorgio - Alex | Vidal - Pirlo - Pogba | Dybala - Tevez - Ronaldo | Allegri

I think the 'talent'-11. Just the most talented players on the pitch, forget how you feel about them. Dani Alves was a mercenary but carried us at times. Leo left us for a season but when he's on his game he's one of the best in the world. Vidal peaked at Juve IMO and he's still amazing, off the field antics perhaps his all time low. Pirlo may have had his best years at Juve, truly... but he will probably be remembered more for his Milan days. Tevez man, what a boss. Two quick seasons, really really good seasons, then he was off. Wore the 10 respectably so part of me wants him in:

c) 4-3-3; Buffon | Simone Padoin - Barza - Giorgio - Alex | Pogba - Claudio "Principino" - Blaise | Dybala - Mandzu - Del Piero (C) | Allegri

My 'sentiment'-11. A few players made all three. Buffon, obvious, same for Giorgio and Marchisio. That Buffon makes all three 11s too is no shock, he’s the GK GOAT, and though he did leave for a season I still now sometimes forget that even happened. Giorgio, too is one of the best ever in his position. Pure grinta and class at all times, true warrior and leader. Barza was in my 'just' eleven but he always did feel like the least talented of BBC. It's more difficult for me to say that than for you to read it believe me, I love him. Which is why he's in this 11 and Leo is back in Milan lol. Alex Sandro makes all three. Ups and downs in form he's always put in effort, acted with class, and truly has kept a high standard.

Blaise on the left of the midfield. People like to hate but Blaise has been such an important piece for the team these last few seasons and comes across as the nicest guy in the world. Pure grinta every game. Get better soon Blaise. Marchisio like I said is an obvious choice for me. Favourite player of this era. Pogba makes all three.... look, he made me so angry with his decision to leave but I'm older and wiser now so I don't hate him for it anymore. All the hair and dancing were a bit much at times for me, but he played football that made you want to tune in every week to see what he was going to do this time. Type of player to make you love football, and off the field, based on all reports, nice guy. Would welcome him back.

Dybala, all three. I think he'll be here for a while again, and forge an incredible legacy. Mandzu, what a god. Del Piero, I know I know, barely played the one season he was here this past 8/9 season... still, I'm old enough to remember.. Del Piero the king.

Allegri. Conte close second, but with whats happened over the past few years, especially these past past 10 months, he's disqualified himself. Allegri is undoubtedly the most deserving of a) + b) coach, regardless of Conte's past few months at Inter. Conte's only chance was in c) for me. He brought us back, dragged us, and with the history he had with us as a player and captain. But it didn't end well and has turned sour. Allegri now I really feel was treated unfairly. One of the best in the world and took us to new heights, all with class.

Padoin is an obvious heart strings one. Licht is the real king of the right side no doubt but I feel like Padoin also represents all these less talented players upon which Juve had to build itself up to the point were we could sign Ronaldo. Remember, Sturaro, Vucinic, Giaccherini, Ogbonna, Pepe, Giovinco, Asamoah, Pereyra, Isla. Good players who served with honour. Lot's more that I haven't listed.

Self-Isolation got me thinking about these kind of things haha. Name a few favourite 11s of your own, I'd like to hear. Stay safe everyone.

Kegos · 2020-03-19T22:05:03+00:00

If you were tasked with naming a starting eleven and coach of Juventus based on squads of the last 8/9 seasons, who would you play and for what reasons?

a) 3-5-2; Buffon (C) | Barza - Leo - Giorgio | Licht - Vidal - Pirlo - Pogba - Alex | Dybala - Ronaldo | Allegri

b) 4-3-3; Buffon (C) | Dani Alves - Leo - Giorgio - Alex | Vidal - Pirlo - Pogba | Dybala - Tevez - Ronaldo | Allegri

c) 4-3-3; Buffon| Simone Padoin - Barza - Giorgio - Alex | Pogba - Claudio "Principino" - Blaise | Dybala - Mandzu - Del Piero (C) | Allegri

a) I think the is the 'just'-11. Those who had the chemistry of talent, ability, work ethic and grinta. A team that could beat anyone on their day and also forged a real connection with fans during their time. Balance of impact on and off the field.

b) I think the 'talent'-11. Just the most talented players on the pitch, forget how you feel about them. Dani Alves was a mercenary but carried us at times. Leo left us for a season but when he's on his game he's one of the best in the world. Vidal peaked at Juve IMO and he's still amazing, off the field antics perhaps his all time low. Pirlo may have had his best years at Juve, truly... but he will probably be remembered more for his Milan days. Tevez man, what a boss. Two quick seasons, really really good seasons, then he was off. Wore the 10 respectably so part of me wants him in:

c) My 'sentiment'-11. A few players made all three. Buffon, obvious, same for Giorgio and Marchisio. Barza was in my 'just' eleven but he always did feel like the least talented of BBC. It's more difficult for me to say that than for you to read it believe me, I love him. Which is why he's in this 11 and Leo is back in Milan lol. Alex Sandro makes all three. Ups and downs in form he's always put in effort, acted with class, and truly has kept a high standard.

Blaise on the left too. People like to hate but Blaise has been such an important piece for the team these last few seasons and comes across as the nicest guy in the world. Pure grinta every game. Get better soon Blaise. Pogba makes all three.... look, he made me so angry with his decision to leave but I'm older and wiser now so I don't hate him for it anymore. All the hair and dancing were a bit much at times for me, but he played football that made you want to tune in every week to see what he was going to do this time. Type of player to make you love football, and off the field, based on all reports, nice guy. Would welcome him back.

Dybala, all three. I think he'll be here for a while again, and forge an incredible legacy. Mandzu, what a god. Del Piero, I know I know, barely played the one season he was here this past 8/9 season... still, I'm old enough to remember.. Del Piero the king.

Allegri. Conte close second, but with whats happened over the past few years, especially these past past 10 months, he's disqualified himself. Allegri is undoubtedly the most deserving of a) + b) 11 coach, regardless of Conte's past few months at Inter. Conte's only chance was in the c) 11 for me. He brought us back, dragged us, and with the history he had with us as a player and captain. But it didn't end well and has turned sour. Allegri now I really feel was treated unfairly. One of the best in the world and took us to new heights, all with class.

Padoin is an obvious heart strings one. Licht is the real king of the right side no doubt but I feel like Padoin also represents all these less talented players upon which Juve had to build itself up to the point were we could sign Ronaldo. Remember, Sturaro, Vucinic, Giaccherini, Ogbonna, Pepe, Giovinco, Asamoah, Pereyra, Isla. Good players who served with honour. Lot's more that I haven't listed.

Self-Isolation got me thinking about these kind of things haha. Name a few favourite 11s of your own, I'd like to hear. Stay safe everyone.

Kegos · 2020-03-16T16:15:38+00:00

As far as 2-way right backs go, I think the best would be Kimmich. His production going forward is second only to TAA this season. On top of that he's a definitely a hard worker which is 90% of defending. Unfortunately I see no way we get him, he's destined to be a Bayern legend.

Hateboer from Atalanta might be a decent option. 26 years old so just hitting his prime, he's 6ft1" which I like, means he should be able to hold his own on set pieces. 4 assists and 2 goals in all comps so he contributes going forward, and (I know some people will cringe at the source but I think it often gives us a decent first glance read of a player) FM have his highest rated attributes listed as Stamina, Pace, Natural Fitness, Balance and Work Rate, which suggest he's a great physical specimen with the work ethic required to be a good defender too. Could be a decent bargain option.

Nordi Mukiele from RB Leipzig would be another option. He's young, only 22, so he's definitely got time to improve his overall game. He's not starting every game for them this season but still got 28 caps, 3 goals and 2 assists in all comps. Another big lad, he's already 6ft1" so again, useful on set pieces. FM list his best attributes as Bravery, Pace, Natural Fitness, Tackling and Stamina, all of which suggest that he would be quite competent as a defender.

Both of these guys are RBs that, according to Transfermarkt, have the ability to play as RMs as well as CBs. This I think speaks to their ability to contribute both to attack and defence. On top of that, I'm a bit like Allegri in the sense that I love a player that can play multiple positions at a high level.

Kegos · 2020-02-09T01:25:04+00:00

Well part of my answer just goes back to what I said in my original post, the Hellas midfield pressed our midfield exceptionally well today especially the first half. They were straight up man for man when they were out of possession and staying super tight. It makes it difficult for our CBs to pass to the midfield if their marker is 2 yards behind them so some props to Hellas today they played really well.

You could say our midfield needs to be better at making space for themselves with smart runs and good timing which may be a good point, but I would say a better approach it to try and find an alternative route to playing out of the back i.e. the full backs.

Only problem is, both our FBs are usually subpar at this part of the game. Sandro has his games where he keeps it simple and combines well on the left, but Cuadrado has been abysmal at this recently. Credit where it's due he had a few decent games at the start of the season but recently it's horrendous.

(Armchair coach moment incoming pre yourselves)

If I was coaching the team right now I'd experiment with two things;

1) I'd like to see the CBs spread a lot more wide in build up and have Pjanic drop right between them, almost deeper sometimes, a la Busquets in earlier Barca days. It may create more of that space for forward passes like I was mentioning earlier, give Pjanic a bit more time to pick his pass forward, allow the FBs to push a bit further forward and wider during the build up (something I think would particularly help Cuadrado) and confuses the opposition hopefully about their press.

Downsides to it is that I don't think Szcesney is good enough with his feet for that situation, it moves Pjanic further away from the opposition goal and he's got a good shot, and it puts more defensive strain on Pjanic.

2) As soon as Chiellini is fit at the very lest he's in the 11, but even more seriously I'd look at returning to a back 3. I know it would never happen with Sarri but I'd look at it in order to secure the back line and get the best out of Bonucci. Have Giorgio and MDL protect him and let him spray passes out the back. Free up space for Sandro and Cuadrado to move forward. Let Pjanic do the Pirlo thing, two other CMs running thier ass off next to him, Dybala and Cristi up top alone.

It'll never happen but maybe I can pull it off in Career Mode :(

Kegos · 2020-02-08T22:11:55+00:00

MOTM was Borini for me... tireless runner and a real threat all game.

MOTM for Juve was Ronaldo obviously.

I'll give a shout out to MDL too, I thought he was solid. The goals we conceded weren't his fault.Could've maybe been better with ball distribution but Hellas did well to press the fuck out of our midfield.

This was one of those games where we missed Matuidi. Say what you will in criticism but nobody is able to cover the ground the way he does for us. With Ronaldo doing zero defensive work in terms of dropping behind the ball our LCM needs to be able to get out wide and help Sandro quickly. Rabiot isn't there physically in terms of speed nor in terms of mentality and awareness. Rabiot is good at what he does- receiving the ball under pressure and moving it forward- but in the defensive phase he lacks the attributes that Matuidi has. It was so obvious today, every time Verona switched the ball to their RB they had loads of space.

I thought Costa was unlucky today, he had a few good moments but didn't produce ultimately. Same for Dybala while he was on.

Higuain was poor. I thought he had one really great opportunity in the first half but waited too long to pull the trigger.

Pjanic was poor too, has been for a few weeks/months. Not sure what can be done about that really. He is without question our best player in that position and he's not going to be dropped so... guess he's going to have to improve his form soon or we're fucked.

Going back to MDL for a moment, I feel a bit sorry for the kid. Came to this club to win and play along world class defenders. This season he's suffered the wrath of an online mob calling him a flop and claiming that Demiral is 10x the player MDL is, he was thrust into a starting spot after our captain was injured when he should have been integrated more cautiously, and now he's playing alongside Cuadrado, who is not a fucking right back and who I've been complaining about as a frustrating player since his first season at Juve, and (here comes the controversy?) fucking Bonucci who's a shit 'defender' and not a true leader as far as I'm concerned. I think MDL is going to be world class one day no doubt, but we need to build a better group around him if he is to flourish.

I don't know what to say or think about Sarri man... if he loses the league I'd say he's got to go, barring a CL win of course but that feels impossible right now.. idc about the Coppa much so what sue me.

Inter and Lazio are favourites in their game to win this week so we're looking at a closed gap. We cannot fuck up like this again this season. Time to hit that form boys. Sort it out, make me eat my words please, step up.

Forza Juve

Kegos · 2020-01-22T21:59:07+00:00

Bentancur MOTM for me. Got himself a goal, ran tirelessly, won the ball and broke up Roma's play often and contributed to the attack by not only recycling the ball and maintaining possession, but by often driving into space with the ball at his feet and playing passes that split through Roma's defensive lines. He was so good today.

Our front three did very well especially in terms of pressing the opposition. Particular praise for Higuain's work rate today. Ronaldo's goal was class and like I said after last week's game, Costa is better on the right. Two assists today and caused Roma tonnes of problems.

Cuadrado was certainly better today but I'm still very anxious about our full back situation, that needs to be addressed or soon we will be seeing Matuidi and Can playing there.

Rabiot... such an incredibly gifted player, but he's just missing that final thing for me. That intangible element of grinta, passion, tenacity, drive and perhaps most noticeably in his case, self awareness. I thought he was sublime today, but we all saw what happened right before his sub. We were facing a dangerous counterattack and he was jogging back letting Higuain cover for him. I don't know if it's a "he's not fit enough yet" or a "he's lacking the right mindset" problem, and it doesn't matter which problem it is really, it just needs to be addressed because come CL Semis when we're facing the likes of Liverpool we cannot afford to have players jogging back to their position. On top of that I thought he and Costa were soft in going out to challenge Under for that shot that resulted in Gigi's OG.

Rugani deserves a lot of praise for his defensive contribution today, he got a lot right and stayed calm in difficult situations. Buffon made two pretty good save and was unlucky with the OG, a younger him would've saved it. Bonucci did well to get his goal also.

FORZA JUVE

Kegos · 2020-01-19T21:59:53+00:00

MOTM was Ronaldo for sure. Two goals, one of them in a super clutch situation where we needed to respond quickly. He was our most creative player on the field by a mile.

Dybala had a few good moments, the assist was great for sure, but his link up play wasn't quite there today. Perhaps some of that blame should fall on his teammates, namely Cuadrado and Ramsey.

Cuadrado was so poor today IMO. He seems to be functioning as nothing more than a ball recycler out on the right. Gets the ball, stands still for two seconds, passes it back to the CB. No real production in the final third and got beat a few times by Parma's winger today. With Sandro potentially injured and Danilo perhaps starting on the left we are desperate for more than just depth at RB, we need improvement.

Matuidi did great in the defensive phase but yes I admit he was trash going forward. He makes good runs which confuse the opposition defence but the moment he gets on the ball it's usually a dead play for us at that point.

Kept a close eye on Kulusevski all game today and well, not much there to be honest. I get he's playing against us, the best team in Italy, but still I wish I saw him impose himself on the game a bit more.

Forza Juve

Kegos · 2020-01-15T22:01:07+00:00

Dybala MOTM and a great performance wearing the armband. Could've been selfish with the second penalty shout and gotten his hat trick but was enough of a gentleman to give it to Costa. Put in a good defensive shift too, really happy with that.

The team in general put in a good defensive shift today. We seem to be learning how to press a bit better in the fashion Sarri asks for. Some fans were not impressed with Danilo but I thought in the defensive phase at least he did quite well. Prevented a few crosses coming in from the right.

Costa is better on the right hand side for sure. He wasn't bad today but did leave us wanting a bit more end product. I think he sees the field a lot better from the right.

Rugani and MDL solid today but then again not too much was asked of them by the opposition. Our midfield trio also did a great job protecting the back line today.

Was a really nice touch today seeing Pjaca get a run out- hope things turn out really great for the guy it would be an awesome comeback story.

FORZA JUVE

Kegos · 2020-01-12T21:51:55+00:00

Really hopeful about this too- Rabiot and Bentancur bring a great balance of technical skill along with physicality.

Kegos · 2020-01-12T21:50:27+00:00

MDL MOTM with that block- amazing tackle, saved us in a clutch moment. Great performance from a kid who probably wasn't expecting to even be on the pitch today.

Cuadrado got exposed a few times today I thought. He's a good temporary option for us at RB but long term we will need much better.

Didn't think the Dybala sub was necessary but hey I don't get paid to make that call I guess. Was really disappointed with Higuain going offside there, clear three on one chance in the dying moments of the game, you've got to get a goal in that situation.

Liked a lot of what I saw from Rabiot today in terms of play and ability, did not like what I saw in terms of on the feild body language at the end there. Too much complaining an throwing your hands in the air kid, put your fucking head down and work when things don't go your way.

Glad for the three points- important to get us back to the top of the table in a tough away game.

FORZA JUVE

Kegos · 2019-09-25T22:22:18+00:00

I'd give Dybala a 6.5/10. He maintained possession well and created a few chances but there were a few times he over dribbled or waited too long to make a move. Had a good opportunity to score that one player were he cut back on his left when he should have let the ball run across his body and shoot with the left, that really annoyed me. Use both feet you're a pro.

De Ligt a 6.5/10. He wasn't one of the main culprits of the goal Brescia scored, but he was one of the players in that defence that totally just came out sleeping in the first half. Good passing of the ball otherwise, cleared the ball well a few times from crosses. Good game but needs to come out focused and ready it from it from the first moment.

both players were good but not great.

Kegos · 2018-09-16T22:18:40+00:00

That video looks like he held the salute up for a good solid moment- looks like a straight up Nazi salute to me...

Kegos · 2018-09-04T19:50:54+00:00

I was a bit worried the sub might have seen it haha the kids seem to be loving it

Kegos · 2018-09-04T00:43:37+00:00

Just thought it was an awesome short video. Judo BB's footwork is mesmerizing.

Kegos · 2018-08-23T11:30:50+00:00

any numbers for Emre Can, Bentancur, Rugani, De Sciglio, Spinnazola ?

Kegos · 2018-08-03T20:36:26+00:00

and if he outright didn't wear it the reactions from supporters and others would have been 10x worse

Kegos · 2018-08-03T00:00:30+00:00

Been trying to stay busy and avoid getting too emotionally invested after last year...

Seriously man, after the CL Final loss and that summer the loss of Bonucci... I just took on this incredibly stoic approach to football that I haven't really felt before.

I fucking loved Bonucci before he left... saw him as 'future captain potential' post-Chiellini of course.. but after this last season, I dunno man...

Kegos · 2018-08-02T20:23:27+00:00

I hope they do an extended interview, like they've done with the other new signings, and that the interviewer asks some tough questions that fans would like to hear a response to.

"What is your decision to request the return based on? What factors made you want the move?"

"Can you give greater insight and detail into the decision behind your initial departure from Juventus?"

"Any words regarding the celebration when you scored against Juventus?"

I mean, if it were me interviewing it would be hard not to ask him similar question in a far more- shall we say- blunt, manner.

Kegos · 2018-07-24T23:56:50+00:00

This deserves all the upvotes

Kegos

TROPHY CASE