The world of football, much like a well-written drama, loves a good comeback story. Enter Dusan Vlahovic, the towering Serbian striker, whose journey at Juventus has been anything but a straight line. Amidst whispers and tactical reshuffles, one voice of experience, former player and coach Massimo Bonanni, has offered a strikingly optimistic, and perhaps prescient, view on Vlahovic`s future in Turin.
Bonanni, speaking on TMW Radio`s Maracanà, didn`t mince words, making Vlahovic his “first thought of the day.” Why? Because, as Bonanni succinctly put it:
“He was supposed to be cast aside, but instead he will carve out his space, and I hope he can finally demonstrate his worth.”
This sentiment encapsulates the ebb and flow of a high-stakes career where talent constantly battles expectation and immediate performance. For a player who arrived in Turin with a hefty price tag and immense pressure, navigating periods of perceived underperformance is an integral part of proving one`s mettle.
Indeed, the numbers have started to speak a language of their own. In recent outings, Vlahovic has demonstrated a knack for impactful contributions, netting two goals in two substitute appearances. For a striker whose goal-scoring prowess was once the talk of Serie A during his Fiorentina days, these glimpses of form are more than just statistics; they are affirmations of his innate ability to find the net, even when starting from the bench. It`s a timely reminder that genuine talent rarely fades, often just waiting for the right moment or role.
Bonanni’s analysis delves deeper than mere goals. While acknowledging the ongoing debate about Vlahovic`s role as a potential starter versus a “super-sub,” he highlighted the inevitability of increased playing time. “If there were few chances to see him from the start until today, now he is carving out small, yet significant, possibilities,” Bonanni observed. Modern football, with its relentless schedule of domestic leagues, cup competitions, and European fixtures, demands squad depth. The notion of a fixed “starting XI” is often a romantic relic; strategic rotation is the order of the day.
This dynamic environment presents Vlahovic with a unique opportunity. Even if another striker is initially favored for a starting berth, the sheer volume of matches ensures that every capable player will have their moment in the spotlight. A player of Vlahovic`s caliber, equipped with a powerful shot and formidable physical presence, can be an absolute game-changer, especially when introduced against tired defenses. It`s a role that requires patience, acute tactical awareness, and the mental fortitude to make every minute count – qualities Vlahovic is now showcasing with intriguing consistency.
Bonanni`s confidence isn`t just a casual observation; it stems from an understanding of the game`s intrinsic rhythm and the talent pool within a top club like Juventus. For Vlahovic, the path to becoming an undisputed linchpin may involve a detour through an impactful substitute role, transforming perceived initial struggles into a narrative of resilient resurgence. The season is long, and as Bonanni suggests, the stage is set for Vlahovic to truly demonstrate the value of Juventus`s investment. Football, after all, often rewards those who can adapt, persist, and seize their moment with both feet – ideally, one striking the ball into the back of the net, much to the delight of the *Bianconeri* faithful.