Position: 4
Points: 70
Comparison with previous season: – 8 (4th)
Season overview
The 2021-2022 season has been Juve’s most disappointing in over a decade. With no trophies, consistently disappointing performances and another embarrassing Champions League exit, the only consolation for the Bianconeri has been securing the fourth spot. The return of Max Allegri was widely regarded as an appointment that would provide The Old Lady with much-needed stability and an opportunity to return to their former winning ways. Instead, what materialised was quite the opposite, leaving many fans increasingly concerned with the immediate future of the team and the route Mister Allegri is taking them down. A big summer and season lie ahead for the former Serie A champions.
Turning point of the season
The signing of Dusan Vlahovic in January was certainly significant, his arrival created a buzz around the club and his presence on the pitch was a welcome boost for everyone. His goals were crucial in guiding Juve to a top-four finish and despite a distinct lack of service, he provided some of what Juve lost when Cristiano Ronaldo departed last summer. It was a real coup to secure the Serb’s services in January and the Turin giants will be hoping he can fire them back to the top of the table in the coming years.
The coach – Massimiliano Allegri
Max Allegri has divided fans this season. Some are adamant he will get it right and the on-pitch issues are primarily because of player quality. However, it is impossible to ignore the problems the Tuscan tactician has created this term. Above all is the regressive mentality he imposes on the team: negative approach, a distinct lack of authority against any opponent and a playing style that has no fluidity. No one was expecting miracles, but achieving the top four in the way they have whilst losing two cup finals cannot be deemed as anything like a success. It is time for Max to prove the doubters wrong.
Player of the Year – Matthijs de Ligt
There are no obvious candidates for Juve’s player of the year. Individual performances have been unpredictable with little to no consistency from anyone across the campaign. Notable mentions here would be players such as Woj Szczesny, Manuel Locatelli and Juan Cuadrado. However, there is arguably only one player it could be and that is Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutchman is now the pillar of this team and in what appears to be an ever-changing backline, de Ligt is the only reliable presence. Juventus will hope he isn’t tempted by a summer move, creating further disruption in a position they already need to reinforce.
Disappointing player of the year – Arthur
There are numerous candidates in this category. It could be any of Alex Sandro, Daniele Rugani, Federico Bernardeschi, Aaron Ramsey or Moise Kean, but it is Arthur who takes the title. The Brazilian midfield player has been unable to make any significant impact over the last two years. Some fans will point to the lack of opportunities – part of that is down to his own fitness issues – but at some point, you have to question the player himself and his desire to be the protagonist, that one who can make a difference. In a position Juve desperately need his technical qualities, the former Barcelona player has rarely shown glimpses of what he is capable of.
@eliosalerno87