Dusan Vlahovic is set to make his return to the starting lineup for Juventus, bringing a much-needed boost to the team as they navigate a challenging period. The Serbian striker’s absence had been felt deeply by the Bianconeri, who struggled to find their rhythm in his absence. In the three matches without him, Juventus managed to score just one goal, highlighting his importance to the squad.
Vlahovic’s return comes at a critical time for head coach Thiago Motta, who has faced mounting pressure due to the team’s recent performances. The statistics tell a compelling story: with Vlahovic on the field, Juventus’s goal-scoring average rises significantly from 0.33 goals per game to 1.51. This stark contrast underscores just how vital he is to their attacking strategy.
In the upcoming match, Vlahovic will likely partner with Teun Koopmeiners, while Motta may opt for fresh legs on the wings, potentially giving Kenan Yildiz a rest in favor of players like Conceicao and Weah. However, this strategy carries risks; should the match not go as planned, it could signal the onset of a crisis for Juventus, who have only secured one victory in their last five outings.
The relationship between Vlahovic and Motta has been under scrutiny recently, especially after comments made during Vlahovic’s time with the Serbian national team regarding differing perspectives between him and the coach. Despite these tensions, both are now focused on moving forward together as Vlahovic reclaims his pivotal role in the squad.
However, Vlahovic’s future at Juventus remains uncertain. With January approaching, speculation about potential transfers is rife. Although he is not currently under threat of leaving due to Juventus prioritizing defensive reinforcements, discussions about his contract renewal have stalled. The club is not close to reaching an agreement, and a meeting with his agent is expected soon.
The club’s management has indicated that they do not want to incur a financial loss on Vlahovic and would consider offers starting from €40 million. As such, there is significant interest in how this situation develops in the coming weeks.
