Juventus manager Thiago Motta recently visited the club’s training facility in Vinovo, focusing his attention on the Next Gen squad. This visit highlights the growing importance of Juventus’ youth system in providing solutions for the first team, especially as the club looks to address key positions in the upcoming January transfer window.
Calciomercati detail that while Juventus are eyeing potential defensive and attacking reinforcements in the market, Motta’s philosophy of giving opportunities to young players regardless of age or experience suggests he may look to promote from within. His visit to Vinovo, which included observing training sessions and meeting with Next Gen coach Paolo Montero, was likely aimed at identifying players who could potentially step up to the first team.
Two players have emerged as prime candidates for promotion. The first is Lorenzo Anghelè, a versatile 19-year-old forward who has already been called up to the first team this season. Anghelè’s physical presence and technical skills have drawn comparisons to the playing style of Joshua Zirkzee, though such comparisons are premature at this stage.
The second prospect is Brazilian center-back Pedro Felipe. Montero himself revealed that Motta has been monitoring Felipe’s progress, despite the defender’s recent absence due to a muscle injury. Felipe’s physical attributes and defensive instincts have drawn parallels to his compatriot Bremer, making him a potential backup option in defense.
While the gap between Serie C and Serie A is significant, Motta’s track record of trusting young talent suggests these players could see first-team action sooner rather than later. As Juventus navigates a busy schedule across multiple competitions, the Next Gen squad may prove to be a valuable resource in maintaining squad depth and injecting fresh energy into the team.
This approach aligns with Juventus’ long-term strategy of developing talent through their youth system, potentially saving millions in transfer fees and fostering a strong sense of club identity. As the January window approaches, it will be interesting to see whether Motta opts for these internal solutions or pushes for external reinforcements.
