Juventus, Yildiz 10 in number and in fact: behind Vlahovic to relaunch against Inter

Take advantage of the absences of Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz to relaunch Kenan Yildiz. The stage most awaited by Juventus fans, the Italian derby with Inter, will be transformed on Sunday evening into a great opportunity for the Turkish striker, one of the most awaited players of Thiago Motta’s new course. Some flashes at the beginning of the season, the wonderful goal against PSV, then a slow but inexorable deterioration in performances: today the 19-year-old Juventus talent is still looking for himself and is probably paying for the notoriety, the fact that the opposing defenses have taken measures, the weight of responsibilities. At San Siro he will have the opportunity to redeem himself and make an impact again, perhaps behind Vlahovic: the ideal position for his characteristics, left free by the absences of Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz.

Yildiz and the comparisons with Del Piero

Before drawing hasty conclusions, it must be clarified that in the growth path of a young footballer, especially with the expectations surrounding Yildiz, some missed passes are physiological. In less than a year he went from being a Next Gen player with a few first team appearances in one of the strengths of Juventus and Turkey. The number 10 on his shoulders, the constant comparisons with Del Piero, his idol since childhood, and with past champions have inevitably turned the spotlight on him and raised expectations. After the goal in the Champions League, the parallels with Pinturicchio abounded: “It seemed like the script of a film – he told the FIFA portal -. If I’m honest, I was very tense. Plus, I had to speak in Italian. But I think I did well. Del Piero is an exemplary person, every now and then he sends me messages and talks. It’s fantastic.”

Where Yildiz will play against Inter

On Sunday evening he will return to San Siro, where last season he started in the defeat which, in fact, marked the end of the championship in favor of the Nerazzurri, who distanced themselves from Juventus by flying towards the star’s scudetto. After playing behind Vlahovic both against Como and Verona, games in which he put the opposing defenses in difficulty and in the best conditions his teammate will return to play behind the Serbian, perhaps the ideal position for him. The ideal area of ​​the pitch for those who, like him, wear the number 10 shirt: “It’s an honor, but also a responsibility. You have pride and confidence when you wear it, but you are also aware of the responsibility towards those who entrusted you with such an iconic shirt. I like it, I feel able to contribute even more to the club’s success.” On Sunday evening he will be able to prove it in the most important match of this season.

Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz and Nico Gonzalez still absent

Important players will be missing Thiago Motta, especially Koopmeiners and Nico Gonzalez, still dealing with their injuries: the first to the side, suffered in Leipzig on the same evening in which the Argentine’s muscles put him out of action. The forward deck is short, the weight of the attack will be entirely on the shoulders of Vlahovic, always on the pitch as a starter this season, and Yildiz, who had the chance to catch his breath against Cagliari starting from the bench. If Motta chose to place the Turk behind the Serbian, a void would be created on the left which could be filled by Cambiaso: while Weah and Conceicao, two wingers in great condition, would have to fight for the other starting spot. It cannot be ruled out that Yildiz’s position will not change and that he will start on the left, with Conceicao on the right and the McKennie-Fagioli pair behind Vlahovic: the final training sessions will be fundamental to dispel any remaining doubts. The only certainty is that without the best Yildiz, all of Juventus will pay the consequences.