Who is Juventus’ Player of the Season so far?
Carlo Garganese
- 22 Dec 2021 18:15 GMT
- 3 min read
Selecting three nominees for Juventus’ best player during the first half of the 2021-22 season was an incredibly tough job. Indeed, even finding one nomination was extremely difficult.
For Juventus have endured a disastrous campaign so far and head into the winter break in very real danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in a decade.
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They have spent much of the season languishing down in seventh or eighth position, although a decent December has at least brought them to within four points of the top four.
Here are the three best players from a very bad bunch in Turin.
3. Federico Bernardeschi
On Wednesday, Federico Bernardeschi scored his first Juventus goal since July 2020 with a clinical finish in the 2-0 win over Cagliari.
For a few years now, the Italian winger has been a figure of fun among not only Bianconeri fans but all Calcio lovers.
But the goal against Cagliari confirmed that there is still a talented footballer in Bernardeschi, one who Italy coach Roberto Mancini relied on off the bench to help the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory.
In the absence of the injured Federico Chiesa, Bernardeschi has really come to the fore in the last month or so. He has an impressive five assists this season. Bernadeschi? More like Bernamessi!
2. Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci rolled back the years at Euro 2020 to take the Azzurri to glory, memorably scoring in the final victory over England at Wembley.
Like all of his teammates, he hasn’t performed at the same levels for Juventus this season but he has still been one of their few adequate performers.
Juve’s defence has improved considerably over the last month, with one goal conceded in six games. Bonucci has been the main reason for that. He also put on a brilliant display in the 1-0 Champions League home win over Chelsea. With three goals – all from the penalty spot – Bonucci is Juve’s fourth top scorer.
1. Juan Cuadrado
It is a mystery why Juan Cuadrado is so unpopular with Juventus fans given his level of output throughout his time in Turin.
He has a brilliant 50 assists during his Juventus career and, although he has none this term, he has been Juve’s most consistent performer from an offensive point of view.
Super hit from Juan Cuadrado! 💫
Juventus needed to find some breathing room against Bologna, and the Colombian stepped up to the plate!
Smashed it 💥 pic.twitter.com/KrBBbnGzac— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 18, 2021
Cuadrado has scored four Serie A goals, just one strike less than Juve’s top scorers (Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata).
He scored a crucial late winner against ex-team Fiorentina and hit a rocket into the top corner versus Bologna.
He will deservedly sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.
