Former Partizan Belgrade sporting director Ivica Iliev believes Juventus are yet to see the best of striker Dusan Vlahovic. Iliev was at the club when Vlahovic made his transition to the first team and speaking to TuttoJuve, he explained why he thinks there’s more to come from the Serbian striker:
What is your assessment of Dušan? Did you expect him to star at the World Cup?
“I think he was limited a lot by that injury, unfortunately he didn’t come in top form. But against Switzerland I saw him do well, he scored a goal and until the last minute he tried to help his teammates. Serbia then failed to express its full potential, its best players like Mitrović and Kostić were not in the best condition.”
And at Juve? How are you seeing him?
“He went through a very complicated period, he affected little and below expectations. I was very surprised, because I consider Dušan a champion, but Juventus is playing little attacking soccer and it’s not nice at all. It is difficult for a striker to play in a team that creates few goal scoring chances, then he is often always behind the goal. To make a difference, you need the full support of his teammates.”
Did he implicitly pay for the move from a club like Fiorentina where there is less pressure?
“Juventus is one of the top European clubs, there is great pressure and criticism is very harsh. The expectations, even for what he was paid, are really high, but let’s remember that he is only 22 years old. And at his age, not even CR7 had continuity.”
Do you expect a change of course in this second half of the season?
“Absolutely yes, also because Juventus has not yet seen the real Dušan. Now he will have to get back to top form, regain confidence and start scoring consistently. He has already proven that he can score 20 goals, I don’t see why he couldn’t do it again. He will help Juve achieve their seasonal goals.”
Do you advise him to stay at Juve, or start listening to the voices coming from the Premier?
“It is normal that he is coveted by the biggest clubs, he is one of the best strikers around and he works hard to become the best. He won the opportunity to play for Juventus with goals, he has always liked the bianconero and I don’t see why he should ask for a transfer. I see him doing well where he is now, I will always wish him the best.”
