Llorente on Juventus: Vlahovic Contract, Serie A Strikers & What’s Missing

UDINE, Italy – As Juventus prepares for a crucial match against Udinese, former Bianconeri striker Fernando Llorente has emphasized the importance of retaining Dusan Vlahovic, highlighting a recurring theme this season: the require for a consistent goalscorer. The conversation, stemming from a recent padel encounter with Andriy Shevchenko, underscores the challenges facing Massimiliano Allegri’s side as they strive for a Champions League qualification spot. The lack of a reliable attacking presence has been a significant factor in Juventus’s inconsistent form, a sentiment echoed by the experienced Llorente.

Vlahovic’s Return Key to Juventus’s Ambitions

Llorente, who enjoyed a successful spell with Juventus himself, believes Vlahovic’s impending return from injury is a major boost. “Before getting injured, at the beginning of the season, he was showing he was back to a great level,” Llorente said, as reported by Tuttosport. “He played with a lot of grit and scored some great goals. Now he will need time, which we footballers never usually have, but I am convinced that when he steps onto the pitch he will give his best.” The Serbian forward’s ability to rediscover his early-season form is seen as vital for Juventus’s chances of securing a top-four finish in Serie A.

The question of Vlahovic’s long-term future at the club has been a subject of speculation, with his contract nearing its expiration. Llorente is unequivocal in his stance: “Absolutely yes, I would keep him. Dusan is a great player, it wouldn’t be good if he left on a free transfer. It wouldn’t be straightforward to replace him.” The potential loss of a player of Vlahovic’s caliber without a transfer fee would represent a significant setback for the club, further emphasizing the need to resolve his contract situation swiftly.

Serie A’s Tactical Challenges for New Arrivals

Juventus’s recent recruitment has seen the arrival of Jonathan David and Lois Openda, but both players have struggled to make a significant impact. Llorente attributes this to the tactical complexities of Serie A. “Serie A is very difficult for a foreign striker, because It’s a tactical league, with closed defenses,” he explained. “As I said before, you need time to adapt, but in my opinion that time is now up and it’s time to prove something. I am convinced they are good strikers, otherwise Juventus wouldn’t have signed them, but they need to start scoring.” The adaptation period for attacking players in Italy can be prolonged, requiring patience and a willingness to adjust to a more defensively-oriented style of play.

The conversation inevitably turned to comparisons with past Juventus strikers, specifically Carlos Tevez and Llorente himself. “I don’t understand, you need players who get along well playing together, who do the best job for the team,” Llorente stated. “You need to stay united, sacrifice yourself and try to give satisfaction to the fans because they deserve it.” The ability to forge a strong understanding and a cohesive attacking unit is crucial for any successful team, and Juventus are currently searching for that elusive combination.

Tevez, who played alongside Llorente during his time in Turin, remains a fondly remembered figure at the club. According to Wikipedia, Tevez earned the nickname “El Apache” growing up in the “Fuerte Apache” neighborhood of Buenos Aires. His dynamic style and goal-scoring prowess made him a fan favorite, and his absence is still felt by many Juventus supporters. The current squad, according to Llorente, needs to replicate that spirit of unity and determination.

Udinese Test and the Champions League Pursuit

Looking ahead to the immediate challenge, Llorente acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming match against Udinese. “It will be very important to win, but it won’t be easy because Udinese at home is a tough team that doesn’t give anything away,” he said. “Juventus will have to take to the field concentrated, they have shown they can play high-level games when it counts and now the remaining games are starting to be like finals.” The match against Udinese represents a critical opportunity for Juventus to close the gap on the teams above them in the Serie A standings.

The broader context of the Champions League race adds further pressure. Juventus’s recent Champions League campaign ended in disappointment, despite a strong performance, with Llorente pointing to controversial refereeing decisions as a contributing factor. The desire to return to Europe’s elite competition is a driving force for the club, and securing a top-four finish in Serie A is the primary objective.

Llorente’s assessment highlights a fundamental issue plaguing Juventus this season: a lack of consistent firepower. Whereas the team has shown glimpses of quality, the inability to convert chances into goals has proven costly. The return of Vlahovic, coupled with a renewed focus on team unity and tactical discipline, will be essential if Juventus are to achieve their ambitions. The upcoming match against Udinese will be a significant test of their resolve and a crucial step towards securing a Champions League berth.

The situation at Juventus mirrors a broader trend in Serie A, where tactical rigor often presents a challenge for attacking players, particularly those new to the league. The league’s defensive emphasis requires patience, adaptability, and a clinical edge in front of goal – qualities that Juventus are currently striving to cultivate within their squad.

As Juventus navigates this critical juncture, the words of a former hero like Fernando Llorente serve as a timely reminder of the values that have historically defined the club: unity, determination, and a relentless pursuit of success. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Juventus can recapture that spirit and secure their place among Italy’s elite.

Next up for Juventus is their away match against Udinese on Saturday, March 16th. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 CET (14:45 EST). Fans can follow the match live on ESPN+ in the United States and DAZN in Italy.