In the second part of his interview with Tuttosport newspaper, Franck Ribery says that he sees similarities between his young self, Federico Chiesa and Kingsley Coman, adding that Dusan Vlahovic can become the next Robert Lewandowski.
The France striker spoke to the Turin-based paper ahead of Salernitana‘s Serie A meeting with José Mourinho’s Roma. He admitted that the Special One wanted to bring him to Real Madrid from Bayern Munich, but the Bundesliga giants didn’t let him leave.
Ribery was also asked his thoughts about some of his ex-teammates, such as Dusan Vlahovic and Robert Lewandowski. They were the most prolific strikers in Europe’s top 5 leagues in 2021, but could the Juventus forward follow in the footsteps of the Poland international?
“In terms of strength and mentality, they are similar. Dusan is a hard worker and never wants to lose. He’d be upset even when he doesn’t win in training. It’s not a detail, it’s the spirit of winners,” said Ribery.
Ribery: ‘Barcelona, Juventus and Mourinho’s Real Madrid wanted me’
So, can he become the new Lewandowski?
“Yes, provided that he continues to work hard and focuses on how to improve every day. Dusan is young and has great means. He must get used to the pressure coming from a club like Juventus. Top clubs want to win every game.”
Has he seen the new Ribery out there?
“Not one with the same characteristics. I must admit that I see something in Kingsley Coman and Federico Chiesa, who have both played with me.
“In Florence, I immediately noticed that Chiesa had something different from the others. He was always going at full speed like I used to do when I was young. You learn how to manage yourself with time, but it’s a natural path. Chiesa has had a great impact at Juventus and he dragged Italy to win Euro 2020. Too bad for his knee injury this season.”
Ribery spent two seasons in Florence playing with both Vlahovic and Chiesa. Coman joined Bayern Munich from Juventus in the summer of 2015 and has scored 49 goals in 228 appearances with the Bundesliga giants. Ribery won 23 trophies during his 12-year spell at the Allianz Arena.