Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic describes Andrea Pirlo as “an example” but “I won’t copy his game”.
After joining the Bianconeri from Roma, his creative midfield style has inevitably been compared to the veteran regista, but the Bosnian is looking to carve out his own niche.
“There’s a good understanding with the Coach [Max Allegri] for now,” Pjanic told reporters in his presentation Press conference.
Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic describes Andrea Pirlo as “an example” but “I won’t copy his game”.
After joining the Bianconeri from Roma, his creative midfield style has inevitably been compared to the veteran regista, but the Bosnian is looking to carve out his own niche.
“There’s a good understanding with the Coach [Max Allegri] for now,” Pjanic told reporters in his presentation Press conference.
“We see each other every day, we talk, I’m getting to know him and little-by-little we’ll speak about my position. For now we’re here to work, to prepare well, and I’m trying to have the best pre-season possible to be ready for the start of the official competitions.
“Everything else, where I’ll play on the pitch, I discussed with the club and the Coach before my definitive transfer to Juve.
“I’ll be helpful because at Roma I was playing in a midfield three, I’m a player who isn’t afraid to have the ball at my feet and I like to play with the others.
“The Coach knows my attributes very well and he’ll put me in a position where he thinks I’ll be the most useful to the team.
“Pirlo is a great player, in all the years he was here he was the best midfielder in Serie A, so of course he’s an example. I won’t copy his game, I’ll do my best as the Coach asks me.
“Obviously we’re different, he was an incredible player, exceptional here at Juve but he played everywhere in the past.
“The club signed me because they think I’ll be very useful, so I’ll give my all to become even stronger and become a top player for this team. I’ll integrate as well as possible and prove my worth on the pitch.
“The comparison with Pirlo is nice obviously, but my game is maybe a little different. Pirlo was a very technical player though, very skilful with the ball at his feet, he did very well for the team.
“I think I can do just as well, and I hope to do it.”
Another point of comparison between the pair is their prowess from free-kicks, is there a particular player who Pjanic tries to imitate?
“I worked with a specialist in Juninho [Pernambucano] when I was at Lyon, but I’ve always said that every player has a different foot on free-kicks, with a different shooting technique.
“I have mine, and I’m improving. I’m trying to always be as dangerous as possible, sometimes deciding games because sometimes big games are decided by set pieces or free-kicks.
“I’ll try to do well, I’m always looking to improve but I know Juve have a lot of players who take them well.
“I want to be decisive like I’ve been for Roma over the last few years.”