Adrien Rabiot admitted he ‘could do more’ at Juventus and discussed his preferred role in the midfield.
The 28-year-old Frenchman has grown into a key player for the Bianconeri following a slow start, having arrived from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in the summer of 2019.
Days before his contract was set to expire in June, Rabiot penned a new one-year deal with Juventus, and the club are now keen to open talks for another extension.
Speaking to RMC Sport via Di Marzio, Rabiot first reflected on his last few seasons with Juventus.
“In recent seasons, it’s the consistency of my performances that has allowed me to become a reliable player. It’s important for a coach to have one. I wanted to achieve this goal and I’m succeeding.
“I keep setting myself challenges, goals to achieve. This is what always makes me want to keep playing and training.
“When you have that, you never get tired. I think I could do more, but I had a very good season last year in terms of statistics.”
The 28-year-old Frenchman commented on the evolution of football and his preferred roles in the midfield.
“Nowadays we ask midfielders and also defenders to be decisive, but this is the evolution of football. The players I liked in midfield before weren’t like that.
“When I take to the pitch, I’m capable of scoring one or two goals per game but I don’t think about it much.
“In my team, if a defender defends well, protects the goal well and is solid, that’s fine with me. Everyone has their own vision of football.”
He spoke about how his role is different between Juventus and the France national team.
“At Juventus I’m more inclined to the offensive phase. Allegri asks me to project myself forward and get to the goal, he insists on this point.
“With France, by mode of play or tactical setup, I’m more in the heart of the game, less concentrated forward and more projected to protect the defence.
“These are two roles that I can do, that I know well, they suit me too. I’m more comfortable with three midfielders.”
Finally, Rabiot gave his thoughts on the possible winner of the Ballon d’Or this year.
“I hear that Messi will win it, but in my opinion Mbappe and Haaland will compete. Choosing one would be complicated, it depends on your point of view. Not everyone will agree with me, but I think it’ll be one of these two.”
This season, Rabiot has played every available minute for Juventus across their opening eight games, scoring one goal and providing two assists.