Adrien Rabiot ended his remarkable goal drought after 50 games, finding the net twice as Juventus beat Maccabi Haifa 3-1 in the Champions League. ‘We are on the right track.’
The France international had not scored a goal in 50 competitive appearances for Juventus, but broke it with a brace around Dusan Vlahovic’s strike, all three created by Angel Di Maria assists.
“I am happy, above all with the attitude of the team. I am glad that I scored, but as I’ve said before the important thing is that the team wins.
“We played well, a bit less in the second half, but we are on the right track,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
Rabiot had been on the verge of an exit this summer, which only fell apart when Manchester United rejected his salary demands, and has become a key figure at Juventus again.
“I am giving 100 per cent on the pitch and in training, the coach trusts me, it is important for him to have a player who brings balance to the team. I can score goals too and I proved that tonight. I am happy, I feel good, we had a few difficulties this season, but with the win over Bologna and tonight, we’re doing well.”
However, as Maccabi Haifa hit the woodwork three times and forced some Wojciech Szczesny saves, Juventus cannot be relaxed in Israel.
“They have good players and passionate fans, we know that, but if we have this attitude, then we can win.”
Because Paris Saint-Germain drew 1-1 with Benfica, those two remain joint leaders on seven points, followed by Juve on three and Maccabi Haifa zero.
That was his best performance defensively and offensively. He made great tackles and scored two great goals. He is performing at levels we expected him to perform. After DiMaria the best player on the pitch.