Patrice Evra believes Juventus have finally found their No 9 in Gonzalo Higuain, a striker “who was born to score goals”.
Higuain has scored seven goals in his first nine appearances for Juve since arriving for an Italian-record €94m from Napoli over the summer, prompting Evra to claim that the Bianconeri have found their very own Ruud van Nistelrooy.
“Higuain? I didn’t personally know him. First of all, he’s a great man, who’s very important in football,” the veteran told UEFA’s official website.
Patrice Evra believes Juventus have finally found their No 9 in Gonzalo Higuain, a striker “who was born to score goals”.
Higuain has scored seven goals in his first nine appearances for Juve since arriving for an Italian-record €94m from Napoli over the summer, prompting Evra to claim that the Bianconeri have found their very own Ruud van Nistelrooy.
“Higuain? I didn’t personally know him. First of all, he’s a great man, who’s very important in football,” the veteran told UEFA’s official website.
“Apart from that, he’s the guy who goes crazy if he doesn’t score – it’s in his nature. I remember a game when we were both on the bench and he was biting his nails. He told me: ‘When I come on, I MUST score!’
“He’s a bit like Van Nistelrooy, strikers who were born to score goals. If they don’t score, they can’t sleep, and all of this is perfect for Juventus.
“The newcomers are all perfect for Juve, and this is another reason why expectations are very high, we’ve added some quality players.
“My job is to help them acclimate to their new family in the best way because Juve are like a family and the players must give the best on the pitch in order to win trophies again this season.
“I think there are different motivators in the team, but Gigi and I want everything and we make sure that the dressing room always gives the maximum.
“It’s been said that some of our speeches have made a difference, but they haven’t. Everyone makes a difference. All our players are leaders.”