Former Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli believes coach Max Allegri can repeat his 2016 comeback with the current Juve back-line. The Bianconeri are up to third in the table and have won their last seven matches in a row without conceding a goal, a feat largely down to the defensive performances of Danilo and Bremer. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Barzagli explained why he thinks this Juve side can replicate the 2016 one and why Bremer is one of the best defenders in the league right now:
The Bianconeri, with the success against Cremonese, have their seventh consecutive victory and without conceding a goal. Your thoughts?
“The move to the 3-5-2 pre World Cup has given the team greater solidity, several players make it better with this set-up. Then, beyond the game system, finding continuity of results makes the difference.”
In the absence of Captain Bonucci, Gatti and above all the Brazilian trio took the stage: Danilo-Bremer-Alex Sandro. Surprised?
“Leo has been there for a lifetime and is always the captain, but the three Brazilians have shown that they can make the most of playing in a three. Danilo and Alex Sandro at this time of their career are more comfortable as central defenders, but thanks to their qualities as full-backs, they also guarantee dribbling in the build-up phase. I know both of them well. They are Brazilian yes, but also a little Italian: always on the ball. Danilo has an incredible talent: he never misses a game and within ninety minutes he is often the protagonist of valuable saves. He is an international player, intelligent and skilled in reading the game: of course he would have been good with us in the BBC too.”
Bremer is the best Serie A defender?
“He is tough, tough, good in anticipation and fast: one of the top in the league. But he is young and still has great room for improvement in dribbling. Should Juventus win the Scudetto, the three Brazilians will also rightfully enter the history of the club and the great defenders who have worn the club’s jersey.”
What do the 7 goals conceded by Juventus in the league mean in terms of the Scudetto fight?
“The numbers don’t tell everything, but a lot does. Historically, Scudettos are won by the best defence. Solidity helps a lot, it increases the probability of success. And by solidity I also mean the work of attackers and midfielders. This Juventus, after a difficult start and perhaps a bit too euphoric for the arrival of some players, has found it again.”
Kind of like what happened to you in the 2015-16 season, the season of the resounding Scudetto comeback…. Do you see any similarities?
“We were off to an even worse start in that year… The teams are different, not comparable. But there is something similar, indeed a lot: it is still Juventus and there is Allegri on the bench. Yes, the comeback as in 2016 is possible. Napoli has had an extraordinary championship so far, but the Scudetto is still wide open. Juventus is there and will fight with Spalletti’s team, Milan and Inter until the end.”
The Bianconeri are looking for a left-footed defender for next season and have also set their eyes on Kiwior, the Polish international from Spezia: do you like him?
“He is a young profile, but he has important qualities. He still needs a bit of work, however, without a doubt he is an interesting defender.”
