Sam Beukema, the Bologna defender linked with a potential move to Juventus in the upcoming January transfer window, recently shared insights about his experience under coach Thiago Motta in an interview with Cronache di spogliatoio.
Reflecting on his time at Bologna, Beukema praised Motta’s innovative approach: “I called Thiago Motta a genius. When I arrived at Bologna, he asked me to play in midfield. I thought, ‘But I’m a central defender, what am I doing in midfield?’ Gradually, I understood his style of play. I started getting comfortable with having space behind me, which I wasn’t used to. He made me aware of my capabilities. He was also excellent with Lucumì and Calafiori.”
Beukema recounted a memorable moment from a match against Torino: “I remember once at home against Torino, Calafiori took the ball and dribbled inside, passed it to me while I was in midfield. I made a pass to Fabbian, and he scored. The coach and assistant were thrilled because we had practiced that move extensively in training. It was a unique way of playing, and it worked well.”