Dybala is looking back to his best for Juventus after Ronaldo's departure to Man Utd

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 6 Nov 2021 16:06 CDT
• 6 min read

Juventus fans may not be enjoying the club’s start to the new season all that much, following a run that has seen Massimiliano Allegri’s side win just five of their 12 opening league games.

However, if there is one aspect of this team that is bringing a smile to the face of the Turin club’s fans it is the return to form of Paulo Dybala.

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Once heralded as one of European football’s most promising forwards, Dybala spent the last few years struggling for goals, assists and prominence in a team that had turned its attentions to Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, with the Portugal international now long since departed for Manchester United, Dybala has returned to Allegri’s side and he’s quickly began to look like his old self for the Old Lady.

Did Dybala struggle with Ronaldo in the team?

Whether it ultimately led to the club stangating in Europe and domestically, there’s no doubt that Juventus had to change their tactics and style of play with Ronaldo in the team.

While the Portuguese striker scored goals for fun, it certainly impacted on a number of players. Perhaps none more so than Dybala.

Prior to Ronaldo’s arrival at the club, Dybala had averaged 0.85 goals and assists per 90 for Juventus in the 2017/18 season for Juventus.

However, during the forward’s time at the club, Dybala’s average dropped to 0.42 per 90 in the following season, rose back to 0.81 per 90 in 19/20 and then dropped again to 0.46 per 90 last season.

Whether Ronaldo is specifically to blame for Dybala’s dip in form, his time at the club certainly coincided with the Argentina forward losing his magic touch.

How much better is he this season?

Dybala’s return to form can be easily seen from the fact that he’s already bagged six goals and four assists in his first 11 games of the season.

Not only is Dybala picking up consistent performances for Juve, but he’s also managing to do it in big games, as shown by his goal in the 1-1 draw with Inter in Serie A and his three goals and an assist in two Champions League games.

In total, Dybala’s average for this season has shot up to 1.15 goals and assists per 90. Which is not only better than the forward’s stats for the previous four seasons, it’s also his best ever return as a Juventus player.