A selection of Serie A pundits say Juventus' Paulo Dybala is already among the top ten strikers in the world.
The Gazzetta dello Sport gathered comments by a small group among former players and Coaches of the Italian championship about how mature the former Palermo poacher was and where he may be ranked in a hypothetical world hierarchy.
A selection of Serie A pundits say Juventus' Paulo Dybala is already among the top ten strikers in the world.
The Gazzetta dello Sport gathered comments by a small group among former players and Coaches of the Italian championship about how mature the former Palermo poacher was and where he may be ranked in a hypothetical world hierarchy.
“I think he's already the strongest player,” said former Inter striker Evaristo Beccalossi. “When you look at the relationship between quality and age, Dybala is the world's number one. I think of the young duo that Argentina have with him and [Mauro] Icardi and I must compliment [Juve Coach Max] Allegri for having developed him well.”
“Paulo is already in the world's top 10 of strikers, not only for his technical qualities but also for the character he's shown,” said Roma's 1990s striker Abel Balbo. “Today the players ahead of him are [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo, as well as [Gonzalo] Higuain for his maturity. Then [Luis] Suarez, [Robert] Lewandowski, and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic.
“But it's unfair to compare them as they are mature and established players, while he is still very young.”
“No-one showed his skills and his personality at the age of 22,” said veteran Coach Fabio Capello. “He established himself in Italy and now he needs a European consecration.
“His goal against Sassuolo, hitting the ball-off balance but with absolute drive, was extraordinary and exciting.”
“I think we should stay calm and let him grow,” said Leicester City Coach Claudio Ranieri. “He's certainly a player who showed he has a lot in his repertoire. His future is written: he'll be among the top ten, and he'll get there naturally, in a short time.”