Antonio Caliendo, the renowned agent who has represented football icons like Roberto Baggio and David Trezeguet, recently shared his thoughts on Juventus’ current situation and players in an interview with Calciomercato.it.
Addressing Douglas Luiz’s struggle to meet expectations, Caliendo said, “In Italy, we’re used to wanting immediate maximum results from any champion brought from abroad. However, there have been many great champions who struggled in the first 5-6 months because they needed to adapt and embrace the mentality of a new technical situation. South American habits completely change with European ones. We just need patience, but in the end, he will emerge.”
When asked about current Serie A players reminiscent of David Trezeguet, Caliendo observed, “With Trezeguet’s characteristics, in some ways, I only see Lautaro. Not to mention Vlahovic, but let’s not forget that Trezeguet had a way of playing suited to those times, it was a completely different system compared to modern play. If we look at individual capabilities, we can’t help but consider Vlahovic, Lautaro, and Lukaku, who make the difference in modern football attack.”
Caliendo expressed strong confidence in Dusan Vlahovic, advising against his sale: “He’s a player I would always keep because both physically and technically, and also for determination, he’s a player I wouldn’t let go. He has the physique and ideal technical characteristics for the modern game.”
The agent wasn’t surprised by Federico Chiesa’s departure, stating, “Chiesa’s sale didn’t surprise me. He had enormous potential, but his continuity put Juventus in a position to consider his sale precisely because Juventus can’t afford moments of stasis. They must always count 100% on everyone, also because they’ve accustomed us to always being at the top of the table.”
Caliendo was particularly enthusiastic about Kenan Yildiz: “I like him a lot. Number 10s have always been in my destiny… Yildiz is one of those talents that can reach Del Piero’s level. He’s a bit closer to Del Piero than Baggio; Baggio’s talent is something unique like Maradona’s. However, Yildiz is destined to become a character of that kind.”
Reflecting on Totò Schillaci’s transfer to Juventus, Caliendo shared an anecdote: “Is it true that when I informed him of Juve’s interest, he was incredulous? Yes, he couldn’t believe it. When I found him, he was 24, by pure chance, as if destiny was pushing me towards him… When I told Totò for the first time, he didn’t believe it. He said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ and I replied, ‘No, I’m taking you to Juventus.'”
This interview provides valuable insights into Juventus’ current squad and past transfers, offering a unique perspective from one of football’s most experienced agents.
Citations:
[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/21219933/bd05469e-9e81-46c3-a58c-e2e1463796e1/paste.txt
