Alexandre Lacazette will reportedly cost £42 million this summer for any club looking to prise him away from Lyon, while Arsenal have reportedly been in touch with Inter Milan regarding Mauro Icardi.

According to Get French Football News, the Ligue 1 outfit want a deal totalling €60 million for Lacazette, but Arsenal have put their interest in him “to one side” for the time being because of the price tag. French outlet Le Progres (h/t Jack de Menezes of the Independent) gave the same valuation but have reported the Gunners could be prepared to match the £42 million Lyon want.

Meanwhile, per Italian outlet Corriere della Sera (h/t De Menezes), Icardi’s wife and agent Wanda Nara listed Arsenal among the teams interested in him but made clear their aim was to stay put:

We want to stay in Milan. People say I am a mercenary, but I am not. [Inter] have to say the truth. They can’t say Icardi is not for sale and then talk to other clubs.

[…]

There are many offers, but I do not negotiate with other clubs. I only talk about Mauro’s contract, that’s my role, not doing negotiations. Atletico Madrid, Tottenham [Hotspur] and Arsenal have made contact. Napoli and Roma are also interested now.

The Gunners are in need of a clinical striker who can share the weight of goalscoring responsibilities with Oliver Giroud, who is a strong option as a squad player but not ruthless enough to fire Arsenal to the title on his own.

Lacazette and Icardi are certainly clinical, per WhoScored.com:

Here is how the trio’s numbers compare from last season, per Squawka:

Icardi is a potent finisher and deadly in the area thanks to his almost unrivalled finishing ability and clever movement, which makes up for the fact he’s not exceptionally quick.

Lacazette, meanwhile, has pace to burn and the dribbling skills to match. The Frenchman is far more dangerous than the Argentinian or his compatriot when the ball is at his feet and he’s charging at defenders.

BT Sport’s Julien Laurens is a fan of Lacazette, while Bleacher Report UK’s Adam Digby believes Icardi could be worth pursuing:

Either would make Arsenal a far more dangerous proposition next season and provide a much-needed boost to their title chances.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will most likely have to dip into his pockets to land a striker as talented as the pair this summer, but if Arsenal are to end their hunt for the Premier League title, it needs to be done.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/29TyUXa
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Alexandre Lacazette will reportedly cost £42 million this summer for any club looking to prise him away from Lyon, while Arsenal have reportedly been in touch with Inter Milan regarding Mauro Icardi.

According to Get French Football News, the Ligue 1 outfit want a deal totalling €60 million for Lacazette, but Arsenal have put their interest in him “to one side” for the time being because of the price tag. French outlet Le Progres (h/t Jack de Menezes of the Independent) gave the same valuation but have reported the Gunners could be prepared to match the £42 million Lyon want.

Meanwhile, per Italian outlet Corriere della Sera (h/t De Menezes), Icardi’s wife and agent Wanda Nara listed Arsenal among the teams interested in him but made clear their aim was to stay put:

We want to stay in Milan. People say I am a mercenary, but I am not. [Inter] have to say the truth. They can’t say Icardi is not for sale and then talk to other clubs.

[…]

There are many offers, but I do not negotiate with other clubs. I only talk about Mauro’s contract, that’s my role, not doing negotiations. Atletico Madrid, Tottenham [Hotspur] and Arsenal have made contact. Napoli and Roma are also interested now.

The Gunners are in need of a clinical striker who can share the weight of goalscoring responsibilities with Oliver Giroud, who is a strong option as a squad player but not ruthless enough to fire Arsenal to the title on his own.

Lacazette and Icardi are certainly clinical, per WhoScored.com:

Here is how the trio’s numbers compare from last season, per Squawka:

Icardi is a potent finisher and deadly in the area thanks to his almost unrivalled finishing ability and clever movement, which makes up for the fact he’s not exceptionally quick.

Lacazette, meanwhile, has pace to burn and the dribbling skills to match. The Frenchman is far more dangerous than the Argentinian or his compatriot when the ball is at his feet and he’s charging at defenders.

BT Sport’s Julien Laurens is a fan of Lacazette, while Bleacher Report UK’s Adam Digby believes Icardi could be worth pursuing:

Either would make Arsenal a far more dangerous proposition next season and provide a much-needed boost to their title chances.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will most likely have to dip into his pockets to land a striker as talented as the pair this summer, but if Arsenal are to end their hunt for the Premier League title, it needs to be done.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/29TyUXa
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With UEFA Euro 2016 now firmly in the rearview mirror, attention has shifted back to club football, with the summer transfer window heating up as teams prepare for the challenges the new season will present.

That is certainly true at Juventus, back training under coach Massimiliano Allegri and with some new signings already acquired. The Bianconeri have already added Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves to a squad that won both Serie A and the Coppa Italia last term.

They are far from finished, however, with a deal for Marko Pjaca close, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. Writing on his website, translated by David Amoyal, the Sky Italia pundit believes the Turin giants have seen off competition from AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid to sign the Croatia international.

He played only a bit-part role at this summer’s tournament, unable to help the Vatreni find a way past eventual winners Portugal in the last 16. Yet he is seemingly ready to move on from Dinamo Zagreb, as he said in a recent interview with Calciomercato.com.

“It’s great to be linked with these Serie A giants,” Pjaca said in April, discussing interest from Inter Milan, Juve and AC Milan. “It gives me strength to carry on working and giving my best during training and matches.”

It seems that despite featuring for a total of just over 100 minutes at Euro 2016, the 21-year-old showed the kind of promise that could make him a star over the next few seasons. Almost all of those minutes came in a rare start in the final group-stage clash with Spain, a chance Pjaca firmly seized.

He played a major role in Croatia’s impressive 2-1 victory at Bordeaux’s Stade Matmut Atlantique, running La Furia Roja—the reigning European champions—ragged, as the FourFourTwo StatsZone graphic above illustrates.

Pjaca took one shot, created one clear scoring opportunity and won one tackle, but it was his dribbling that caught the eye. Completing an impressive seven of his eight attempted take-ons, the right-footed youngster left a string of defenders chasing shadows as he cut in from his starting position on the left wing.

It was a superb performance in a heavily rotated side, but Pjaca took a seat on the bench for that clash with Portugal, only to be brought on late in extra time, when he made the decision to drop him look extremely foolhardy.

Introduced as a substitute with just 10 minutes of the additional 30 remaining, he brought some much-needed attacking impetus to the side, with WhoScored.com statistics showing he completed three dribbles against a previously impenetrable Portugal defence.

That game saw him fielded on the right flank, his ability with both feet evident while highlighting his versatility and willingness to do whatever is asked of him by coaches, as he told Calciomercato.com in the aforementioned interview: “I mostly play behind strikers, as offensive midfielder, or winger. I’ve also played as striker but it is not a decision that I have to take. I play wherever the boss tells me to and I always want to do the best to help my team.”

That same desire was clear in his recent performances, but his mother, Visnja, told La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) earlier in July that her son has always demonstrated such determination:

He is quiet, but has a very strong mentality. He has been training like a professional since the age of eight, even at home. You can tell by the way he recovers from injuries, he always returned far earlier than the doctors predicted.

He’s an excellent student at school too and one of the few football players who completed his studies. He was always good at languages and learned a few things thanks to football too, as he spoke Portuguese, English and Spanish with his teammates.

Further evidence of Pjaca’s ability can be found in his contribution to Dinamo’s 2015/16 Champions League campaign. According to WhoScored.com, he created 0.7 chances and completed one dribble per game while connecting with 75.2 per cent of his passes, his displays earning some notable praise.

“I want to pay my players a big compliment for their fight and performance, they showed their quality,” Pep Guardiola told a press conference after his Bayern Munich side won 2-0 in Zagreb in December. “I know that Dinamo have a very young side, and I think [Ante] Coric and Pjaca are exceptional talents and they will definitely have big careers.”

The latter had already caught the eye a year earlier, netting a well-taken Europa League hat-trick against Celtic back in December 2014 that highlighted many of his best attributes. Shown above, Pjaca’s penchant for cutting back onto his stronger right foot stands out—as does his ability to shift direction at any moment.

Peeling off the left wing to shoot or create for others, the 6’1″ starlet can also bully less physical defenders, shrugging off would-be tacklers, which should translate well if he makes the shift into the Italian league.

Occasionally, he can overindulge in his array of tricks rather than making a simple pass, but Allegri and the numerous veteran leaders at Juve can surely coax better decisions from Pjaca as he matures. 

The Juve boss would also have a left winger to work with, allowing him to perhaps play a 4-3-3 formation should the need arise, something that would balance the side if the Bianconeri bring Juan Cuadrado back this summer.

The Croatia international could also play as an alternative to Paulo Dybala in attack, and he would be expected to have a sound understanding with compatriot Mario Mandzukic if the two were fielded together.

His flexibility would be an extra weapon for an already impressive team in Turin, but he would need to be given some direction, as his former coach in Zagreb best summed up when asked about Pjaca.

“Marko is a fantastic player with great potential and when focused and in the right mood he can do great things,” Zoran Mamic told the official UEFA website last year. Juventus would hope to see him achieve just that.

They would also hope to see him fulfil one of his personal goals, as Pjaca explained to Elvir Islamovic of UEFA: “I am making my dreams come true. One of those was fulfilled when I earned a national team call-up; another would be to win the Champions League, to lift that trophy.”

The Old Lady share that same dream. Perhaps together they could make it become their shared reality.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/29UlqtZ
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With UEFA Euro 2016 now firmly in the rearview mirror, attention has shifted back to club football, with the summer transfer window heating up as teams prepare for the challenges the new season will present.

That is certainly true at Juventus, back training under coach Massimiliano Allegri and with some new signings already acquired. The Bianconeri have already added Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves to a squad that won both Serie A and the Coppa Italia last term.

They are far from finished, however, with a deal for Marko Pjaca close, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. Writing on his website, translated by David Amoyal, the Sky Italia pundit believes the Turin giants have seen off competition from AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid to sign the Croatia international.

He played only a bit-part role at this summer’s tournament, unable to help the Vatreni find a way past eventual winners Portugal in the last 16. Yet he is seemingly ready to move on from Dinamo Zagreb, as he said in a recent interview with Calciomercato.com.

“It’s great to be linked with these Serie A giants,” Pjaca said in April, discussing interest from Inter Milan, Juve and AC Milan. “It gives me strength to carry on working and giving my best during training and matches.”

It seems that despite featuring for a total of just over 100 minutes at Euro 2016, the 21-year-old showed the kind of promise that could make him a star over the next few seasons. Almost all of those minutes came in a rare start in the final group-stage clash with Spain, a chance Pjaca firmly seized.

He played a major role in Croatia’s impressive 2-1 victory at Bordeaux’s Stade Matmut Atlantique, running La Furia Roja—the reigning European champions—ragged, as the FourFourTwo StatsZone graphic above illustrates.

Pjaca took one shot, created one clear scoring opportunity and won one tackle, but it was his dribbling that caught the eye. Completing an impressive seven of his eight attempted take-ons, the right-footed youngster left a string of defenders chasing shadows as he cut in from his starting position on the left wing.

It was a superb performance in a heavily rotated side, but Pjaca took a seat on the bench for that clash with Portugal, only to be brought on late in extra time, when he made the decision to drop him look extremely foolhardy.

Introduced as a substitute with just 10 minutes of the additional 30 remaining, he brought some much-needed attacking impetus to the side, with WhoScored.com statistics showing he completed three dribbles against a previously impenetrable Portugal defence.

That game saw him fielded on the right flank, his ability with both feet evident while highlighting his versatility and willingness to do whatever is asked of him by coaches, as he told Calciomercato.com in the aforementioned interview: “I mostly play behind strikers, as offensive midfielder, or winger. I’ve also played as striker but it is not a decision that I have to take. I play wherever the boss tells me to and I always want to do the best to help my team.”

That same desire was clear in his recent performances, but his mother, Visnja, told La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) earlier in July that her son has always demonstrated such determination:

He is quiet, but has a very strong mentality. He has been training like a professional since the age of eight, even at home. You can tell by the way he recovers from injuries, he always returned far earlier than the doctors predicted.

He’s an excellent student at school too and one of the few football players who completed his studies. He was always good at languages and learned a few things thanks to football too, as he spoke Portuguese, English and Spanish with his teammates.

Further evidence of Pjaca’s ability can be found in his contribution to Dinamo’s 2015/16 Champions League campaign. According to WhoScored.com, he created 0.7 chances and completed one dribble per game while connecting with 75.2 per cent of his passes, his displays earning some notable praise.

“I want to pay my players a big compliment for their fight and performance, they showed their quality,” Pep Guardiola told a press conference after his Bayern Munich side won 2-0 in Zagreb in December. “I know that Dinamo have a very young side, and I think [Ante] Coric and Pjaca are exceptional talents and they will definitely have big careers.”

The latter had already caught the eye a year earlier, netting a well-taken Europa League hat-trick against Celtic back in December 2014 that highlighted many of his best attributes. Shown above, Pjaca’s penchant for cutting back onto his stronger right foot stands out—as does his ability to shift direction at any moment.

Peeling off the left wing to shoot or create for others, the 6’1″ starlet can also bully less physical defenders, shrugging off would-be tacklers, which should translate well if he makes the shift into the Italian league.

Occasionally, he can overindulge in his array of tricks rather than making a simple pass, but Allegri and the numerous veteran leaders at Juve can surely coax better decisions from Pjaca as he matures. 

The Juve boss would also have a left winger to work with, allowing him to perhaps play a 4-3-3 formation should the need arise, something that would balance the side if the Bianconeri bring Juan Cuadrado back this summer.

The Croatia international could also play as an alternative to Paulo Dybala in attack, and he would be expected to have a sound understanding with compatriot Mario Mandzukic if the two were fielded together.

His flexibility would be an extra weapon for an already impressive team in Turin, but he would need to be given some direction, as his former coach in Zagreb best summed up when asked about Pjaca.

“Marko is a fantastic player with great potential and when focused and in the right mood he can do great things,” Zoran Mamic told the official UEFA website last year. Juventus would hope to see him achieve just that.

They would also hope to see him fulfil one of his personal goals, as Pjaca explained to Elvir Islamovic of UEFA: “I am making my dreams come true. One of those was fulfilled when I earned a national team call-up; another would be to win the Champions League, to lift that trophy.”

The Old Lady share that same dream. Perhaps together they could make it become their shared reality.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/29UlqtZ
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With UEFA Euro 2016 now firmly in the rearview mirror, attention has shifted back to club football, with the summer transfer window heating up as teams prepare for the challenges the new season will present.

That is certainly true at Juventus, back training under coach Massimiliano Allegri and with some new signings already acquired. The Bianconeri have already added Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves to a squad that won both Serie A and the Coppa Italia last term.

They are far from finished, however, with a deal for Marko Pjaca close, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. Writing on his website, translated by David Amoyal, the Sky Italia pundit believes the Turin giants have seen off competition from AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid to sign the Croatia international.

He played only a bit-part role at this summer’s tournament, unable to help the Vatreni find a way past eventual winners Portugal in the last 16. Yet he is seemingly ready to move on from Dinamo Zagreb, as he said in a recent interview with Calciomercato.com.

“It’s great to be linked with these Serie A giants,” Pjaca said in April, discussing interest from Inter Milan, Juve and AC Milan. “It gives me strength to carry on working and giving my best during training and matches.”

It seems that despite featuring for a total of just over 100 minutes at Euro 2016, the 21-year-old showed the kind of promise that could make him a star over the next few seasons. Almost all of those minutes came in a rare start in the final group-stage clash with Spain, a chance Pjaca firmly seized.

He played a major role in Croatia’s impressive 2-1 victory at Bordeaux’s Stade Matmut Atlantique, running La Furia Roja—the reigning European champions—ragged, as the FourFourTwo StatsZone graphic above illustrates.

Pjaca took one shot, created one clear scoring opportunity and won one tackle, but it was his dribbling that caught the eye. Completing an impressive seven of his eight attempted take-ons, the right-footed youngster left a string of defenders chasing shadows as he cut in from his starting position on the left wing.

It was a superb performance in a heavily rotated side, but Pjaca took a seat on the bench for that clash with Portugal, only to be brought on late in extra time, when he made the decision to drop him look extremely foolhardy.

Introduced as a substitute with just 10 minutes of the additional 30 remaining, he brought some much-needed attacking impetus to the side, with WhoScored.com statistics showing he completed three dribbles against a previously impenetrable Portugal defence.

That game saw him fielded on the right flank, his ability with both feet evident while highlighting his versatility and willingness to do whatever is asked of him by coaches, as he told Calciomercato.com in the aforementioned interview: “I mostly play behind strikers, as offensive midfielder, or winger. I’ve also played as striker but it is not a decision that I have to take. I play wherever the boss tells me to and I always want to do the best to help my team.”

That same desire was clear in his recent performances, but his mother, Visnja, told La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) earlier in July that her son has always demonstrated such determination:

He is quiet, but has a very strong mentality. He has been training like a professional since the age of eight, even at home. You can tell by the way he recovers from injuries, he always returned far earlier than the doctors predicted.

He’s an excellent student at school too and one of the few football players who completed his studies. He was always good at languages and learned a few things thanks to football too, as he spoke Portuguese, English and Spanish with his teammates.

Further evidence of Pjaca’s ability can be found in his contribution to Dinamo’s 2015/16 Champions League campaign. According to WhoScored.com, he created 0.7 chances and completed one dribble per game while connecting with 75.2 per cent of his passes, his displays earning some notable praise.

“I want to pay my players a big compliment for their fight and performance, they showed their quality,” Pep Guardiola told a press conference after his Bayern Munich side won 2-0 in Zagreb in December. “I know that Dinamo have a very young side, and I think [Ante] Coric and Pjaca are exceptional talents and they will definitely have big careers.”

The latter had already caught the eye a year earlier, netting a well-taken Europa League hat-trick against Celtic back in December 2014 that highlighted many of his best attributes. Shown above, Pjaca’s penchant for cutting back onto his stronger right foot stands out—as does his ability to shift direction at any moment.

Peeling off the left wing to shoot or create for others, the 6’1″ starlet can also bully less physical defenders, shrugging off would-be tacklers, which should translate well if he makes the shift into the Italian league.

Occasionally, he can overindulge in his array of tricks rather than making a simple pass, but Allegri and the numerous veteran leaders at Juve can surely coax better decisions from Pjaca as he matures. 

The Juve boss would also have a left winger to work with, allowing him to perhaps play a 4-3-3 formation should the need arise, something that would balance the side if the Bianconeri bring Juan Cuadrado back this summer.

The Croatia international could also play as an alternative to Paulo Dybala in attack, and he would be expected to have a sound understanding with compatriot Mario Mandzukic if the two were fielded together.

His flexibility would be an extra weapon for an already impressive team in Turin, but he would need to be given some direction, as his former coach in Zagreb best summed up when asked about Pjaca.

“Marko is a fantastic player with great potential and when focused and in the right mood he can do great things,” Zoran Mamic told the official UEFA website last year. Juventus would hope to see him achieve just that.

They would also hope to see him fulfil one of his personal goals, as Pjaca explained to Elvir Islamovic of UEFA: “I am making my dreams come true. One of those was fulfilled when I earned a national team call-up; another would be to win the Champions League, to lift that trophy.”

The Old Lady share that same dream. Perhaps together they could make it become their shared reality.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/29UlqtZ
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With UEFA Euro 2016 now firmly in the rearview mirror, attention has shifted back to club football, with the summer transfer window heating up as teams prepare for the challenges the new season will present.

That is certainly true at Juventus, back training under coach Massimiliano Allegri and with some new signings already acquired. The Bianconeri have already added Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves to a squad that won both Serie A and the Coppa Italia last term.

They are far from finished, however, with a deal for Marko Pjaca close, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. Writing on his website, translated by David Amoyal, the Sky Italia pundit believes the Turin giants have seen off competition from AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid to sign the Croatia international.

He played only a bit-part role at this summer’s tournament, unable to help the Vatreni find a way past eventual winners Portugal in the last 16. Yet he is seemingly ready to move on from Dinamo Zagreb, as he said in a recent interview with Calciomercato.com.

“It’s great to be linked with these Serie A giants,” Pjaca said in April, discussing interest from Inter Milan, Juve and AC Milan. “It gives me strength to carry on working and giving my best during trainings and matches.”

It seems that despite featuring for a total of just over 100 minutes at Euro 2016, the 21-year-old showed the kind of promise that could make him a star over the next few seasons. Almost all of those minutes came in a rare start in the final group-stage clash with Spain, a chance Pjaca firmly seized.

He played a major role in Croatia’s impressive 2-1 victory at Bordeaux’s Stade Matmut Atlantique, running La Furia Roja—the reigning European champions—ragged, as the FourFourTwo StatsZone graphic above illustrates.

Pjaca took one shot, created one clear scoring opportunity and won one tackle, but it was his dribbling that caught the eye. Completing an impressive seven of his eight attempted take-ons, the right-footed youngster left a string of defenders chasing shadows as he cut in from his starting position on the left wing.

It was a superb performance in a heavily rotated side, but Pjaca took a seat on the bench for that clash with Portugal, only to be brought on late in extra time, when he made the decision to drop him look extremely foolhardy.

Introduced as a substitute with just 10 minutes of the additional 30 remaining, he brought some much-needed attacking impetus to the side, with WhoScored.com statistics showing he completed three dribbles against a previously impenetrable Portugal defence.

That game saw him fielded on the right flank, his ability with both feet evident while highlighting his versatility and willingness to do whatever is asked of him by coaches, as he told Calciomercato.com in the aforementioned interview: “I mostly play behind strikers, as offensive midfielder, or winger. I’ve also played as striker but it is not a decision that I have to take. I play wherever the boss tells me to and I always want to do the best to help my team.”

That same desire was clear in his recent performances, but his mother, Visnja, told La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) earlier in July that her son has always demonstrated such determination:

He is quiet, but has a very strong mentality. He has been training like a professional since the age of eight, even at home. You can tell by the way he recovers from injuries, he always returned far earlier than the doctors predicted.

He’s an excellent student at school too and one of the few football players who completed his studies. He was always good at languages and learned a few things thanks to football too, as he spoke Portuguese, English and Spanish with his teammates.

Further evidence of Pjaca’s ability can be found in his contribution to Dinamo’s 2015/16 Champions League campaign. According to WhoScored.com, he created 0.7 chances and completed one dribble per game while connecting with 75.2 per cent of his passes, his displays earning some notable praise.

“I want to pay my players a big compliment for their fight and performance, they showed their quality,” Pep Guardiola told a press conference after his Bayern Munich side won 2-0 in Zagreb in December. “I know that Dinamo have a very young side, and I think [Ante] Coric and Pjaca are exceptional talents and they will definitely have big careers.”

The latter had already caught the eye a year earlier, netting a well-taken Europa League hat-trick against Celtic back in December 2014 that highlighted many of his best attributes. Shown above, Pjaca’s penchant for cutting back onto his stronger right foot stands out—as does his ability to shift direction at any moment.

Peeling off the left wing to shoot or create for others, the 6’1″ starlet can also bully less physical defenders, shrugging off would-be tacklers, which should translate well if he makes the shift into the Italian league.

Occasionally, he can overindulge in his array of tricks rather than making a simple pass, but Allegri and the numerous veteran leaders at Juve can surely coax better decisions from Pjaca as he matures. 

The Juve boss would also have a left winger to work with, allowing him to perhaps play a 4-3-3 formation should the need arise, something that would balance the side if the Bianconeri bring Juan Cuadrado back this summer.

The Croatia international could also play as an alternative to Paulo Dybala in attack, and he would be expected to have a sound understanding with compatriot Mario Mandzukic if the two were fielded together.

His flexibility would be an extra weapon for an already impressive team in Turin, but he would need to be given some direction, as his former coach in Zagreb best summed up when asked about Pjaca.

“Marko is a fantastic player with great potential and when focused and in the right mood he can do great things,” Zoran Mamic told the official UEFA website last year. Juventus would hope to see him achieve just that.

They would also hope to see him fulfil one of his personal goals, as Pjaca explained to Elvir Islamovic of UEFA: “I am making my dreams come true. One of those was fulfilled when I earned a national team call-up; another would be to win the Champions League, to lift that trophy.”

The Old Lady share that same dream. Perhaps together they could make it become their shared reality.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/29UlqtZ
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With UEFA Euro 2016 now firmly in the rearview mirror, attention has shifted back to club football, with the summer transfer window heating up as teams prepare for the challenges the new season will present.

That is certainly true at Juventus, back training under coach Massimiliano Allegri and with some new signings already acquired. The Bianconeri have already added Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves to a squad that won both Serie A and the Coppa Italia last term.

They are far from finished, however, with a deal for Marko Pjaca close, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. Writing on his website, translated by David Amoyal, the Sky Italia pundit believes the Turin giants have seen off competition from AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid to sign the Croatia international.

He played only a bit-part role at this summer’s tournament, unable to help the Vatreni find a way past eventual winners Portugal in the last 16. Yet he is seemingly ready to move on from Dinamo Zagreb, as he said in a recent interview with Calciomercato.com.

“It’s great to be linked with these Serie A giants,” Pjaca said in April, discussing interest from Inter Milan, Juve and AC Milan. “It gives me strength to carry on working and giving my best during trainings and matches.”

It seems that despite featuring for a total of just over 100 minutes at Euro 2016, the 21-year-old showed the kind of promise that could make him a star over the next few seasons. Almost all of those minutes came in a rare start in the final group-stage clash with Spain, a chance Pjaca firmly seized.

He played a major role in Croatia’s impressive 2-1 victory at Bordeaux’s Stade Matmut Atlantique, running La Furia Roja—the reigning European champions—ragged, as the FourFourTwo StatsZone graphic above illustrates.

Pjaca took one shot, created one clear scoring opportunity and won one tackle, but it was his dribbling that caught the eye. Completing an impressive seven of his eight attempted take-ons, the right-footed youngster left a string of defenders chasing shadows as he cut in from his starting position on the left wing.

It was a superb performance in a heavily rotated side, but Pjaca took a seat on the bench for that clash with Portugal, only to be brought on late in extra time, when he made the decision to drop him look extremely foolhardy.

Introduced as a substitute with just 10 minutes of the additional 30 remaining, he brought some much-needed attacking impetus to the side, with WhoScored.com statistics showing he completed three dribbles against a previously impenetrable Portugal defence.

That game saw him fielded on the right flank, his ability with both feet evident while highlighting his versatility and willingness to do whatever is asked of him by coaches, as he told Calciomercato.com in the aforementioned interview: “I mostly play behind strikers, as offensive midfielder, or winger. I’ve also played as striker but it is not a decision that I have to take. I play wherever the boss tells me to and I always want to do the best to help my team.”

That same desire was clear in his recent performances, but his mother, Visnja, told La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) earlier in July that her son has always demonstrated such determination:

He is quiet, but has a very strong mentality. He has been training like a professional since the age of eight, even at home. You can tell by the way he recovers from injuries, he always returned far earlier than the doctors predicted.

He’s an excellent student at school too and one of the few football players who completed his studies. He was always good at languages and learned a few things thanks to football too, as he spoke Portuguese, English and Spanish with his teammates.

Further evidence of Pjaca’s ability can be found in his contribution to Dinamo’s 2015/16 Champions League campaign. According to WhoScored.com, he created 0.7 chances and completed one dribble per game while connecting with 75.2 per cent of his passes, his displays earning some notable praise.

“I want to pay my players a big compliment for their fight and performance, they showed their quality,” Pep Guardiola told a press conference after his Bayern Munich side won 2-0 in Zagreb in December. “I know that Dinamo have a very young side, and I think [Ante] Coric and Pjaca are exceptional talents and they will definitely have big careers.”

The latter had already caught the eye a year earlier, netting a well-taken Europa League hat-trick against Celtic back in December 2014 that highlighted many of his best attributes. Shown above, Pjaca’s penchant for cutting back onto his stronger right foot stands out—as does his ability to shift direction at any moment.

Peeling off the left wing to shoot or create for others, the 6’1″ starlet can also bully less physical defenders, shrugging off would-be tacklers, which should translate well if he makes the shift into the Italian league.

Occasionally, he can overindulge in his array of tricks rather than making a simple pass, but Allegri and the numerous veteran leaders at Juve can surely coax better decisions from Pjaca as he matures. 

The Juve boss would also have a left winger to work with, allowing him to perhaps play a 4-3-3 formation should the need arise, something that would balance the side if the Bianconeri bring Juan Cuadrado back this summer.

The Croatia international could also play as an alternative to Paulo Dybala in attack, and he would be expected to have a sound understanding with compatriot Mario Mandzukic if the two were fielded together.

His flexibility would be an extra weapon for an already impressive team in Turin, but he would need to be given some direction, as his former coach in Zagreb best summed up when asked about Pjaca.

“Marko is a fantastic player with great potential and when focused and in the right mood he can do great things,” Zoran Mamic told the official UEFA website last year. Juventus would hope to see him achieve just that.

They would also hope to see him fulfil one of his personal goals, as Pjaca explained to Elvir Islamovic of UEFA: “I am making my dreams come true. One of those was fulfilled when I earned a national team call-up; another would be to win the Champions League, to lift that trophy.”

The Old Lady share that same dream. Perhaps together they could make it become their shared reality.

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Tottenham Hotspur have added two top-quality recruits to their squad during this transfer window and the focus of pre-season preparations now switches to the pitch. 

Victor Wanyama has joined from Southampton, and Vincent Janssen from Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar; both will now be thrust immediately into first-team consideration. 

Spurs have three warm-up matches scheduled against high-calibre opposition before their domestic campaign gets underway on August 13 at Everton. First, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are the opposition in a whirlwind tour of Australia before a match against Inter Milan in Norway wraps things up. 

In contrast to the schedules under previous Tottenham managers, Pochettino‘s pre-seasons are relatively sparse. A tour of America—organised before his appointment in 2014—is the sole exception as both of the last two campaigns have seen only three matches. 

Harry Kane was evidently fatigued by the end of last season and struggled to reach his customary excellence in the final month. He was similarly ineffectual on England duty at the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France. Pochettino prioritises fitness and physical preparation and, with that in mind, the 22-year-old is unlikely to be immediately involved in Spurs’ pre-season activities. 

While young forwards Kazaiah Sterling and Shayon Harrison will be with the first team and should get opportunities to show their quality, Vincent Janssen is the man to watch in pre-season. 

The Dutchman will have immediate chances to show his quality given the number of Spurs players still recuperating from their exertions in summer tournaments. Juventus and Atletico possess two of Europe’s meanest defences and, while both are in an earlier stage of their pre-season than Spurs, they will present useful tests for Janssen.

Per the official Tottenham website, Pochettino hailed Janssen‘s “perfect profile,” explaining that he “has quality in the box and he’s a striker that likes to fight and work for the team. That is perfect for us.”

The key to Janssen‘s success will ultimately be his ability to score goals, but that is more of a long-term concern. Aged just 22 and making a significant step up in terms of opposition, the Netherlands international may take time to find his best form. This pre-season will be about learning Pochettino‘s system and showing that he can ape Kane’s rounded contribution. 

Last season, Kane failed to score in the opening six games. While the media inveighed against the supposed “one-season wonder,” few close observers were concerned as the England international continued to excel in his other roles. He led the pressing with aggression and intelligence, held the ball well to incorporate his team-mates and continued to take up the right positions. 

That is what Janssen must show in this pre-season and what will determine his success or failure at the club. 

Relatively little of certainty can be taken from pre-season results. Spurs famously battered AS Roma 5-0 and Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in their final warm-up matches before going winless through the opening eight games in Juande Ramos’ final season. 

However, the speed with which Janssen is incorporated into Spurs’ system will be instructive, as will Pochettino‘s willingness to experiment with two forwards. Last season, Eric Dier’s move into midfield was sealed by a 45-minute experiment in pre-season, according to Matt Law of the Telegraph. 

While it seems unlikely that the Argentinian will change his system dramatically enough to feature two centre-forwards, it is a possibility. 

Evolution is key for Pochettino‘s team. In his first season, elements of the cohesion and aggression that defined his Southampton side began to emerge but only in his second did those become the default.

With his third year at White Hart Lane on the horizon, Pochettino will aim to further inculcate his squad with his philosophy, and any players that fail to fit into their role will be rapidly sidelined. Janssen must avoid that fate or his Spurs career will be over before it begins.

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Tottenham Hotspur have added two top-quality recruits to their squad during this transfer window and the focus of pre-season preparations now switches to the pitch. 

Victor Wanyama has joined from Southampton, and Vincent Janssen from Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar; both will now be thrust immediately into first-team consideration. 

Spurs have three warm-up matches scheduled against high-calibre opposition before their domestic campaign gets underway on August 13 at Everton. First, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are the opposition in a whirlwind tour of Australia before a match against Inter Milan in Norway wraps things up. 

In contrast to the schedules under previous Tottenham managers, Pochettino‘s pre-seasons are relatively sparse. A tour of America—organised before his appointment in 2014—is the sole exception as both of the last two campaigns have seen only three matches. 

Harry Kane was evidently fatigued by the end of last season and struggled to reach his customary excellence in the final month. He was similarly ineffectual on England duty at the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France. Pochettino prioritises fitness and physical preparation and, with that in mind, the 22-year-old is unlikely to be immediately involved in Spurs’ pre-season activities. 

While young forwards Kazaiah Sterling and Shayon Harrison will be with the first team and should get opportunities to show their quality, Vincent Janssen is the man to watch in pre-season. 

The Dutchman will have immediate chances to show his quality given the number of Spurs players still recuperating from their exertions in summer tournaments. Juventus and Atletico possess two of Europe’s meanest defences and, while both are in an earlier stage of their pre-season than Spurs, they will present useful tests for Janssen.

Per the official Tottenham website, Pochettino hailed Janssen‘s “perfect profile,” explaining that he “has quality in the box and he’s a striker that likes to fight and work for the team. That is perfect for us.”

The key to Janssen‘s success will ultimately be his ability to score goals, but that is more of a long-term concern. Aged just 22 and making a significant step up in terms of opposition, the Netherlands international may take time to find his best form. This pre-season will be about learning Pochettino‘s system and showing that he can ape Kane’s rounded contribution. 

Last season, Kane failed to score in the opening six games. While the media inveighed against the supposed “one-season wonder,” few close observers were concerned as the England international continued to excel in his other roles. He led the pressing with aggression and intelligence, held the ball well to incorporate his team-mates and continued to take up the right positions. 

That is what Janssen must show in this pre-season and what will determine his success or failure at the club. 

Relatively little of certainty can be taken from pre-season results. Spurs famously battered AS Roma 5-0 and Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in their final warm-up matches before going winless through the opening eight games in Juande Ramos’ final season. 

However, the speed with which Janssen is incorporated into Spurs’ system will be instructive, as will Pochettino‘s willingness to experiment with two forwards. Last season, Eric Dier’s move into midfield was sealed by a 45-minute experiment in pre-season, according to Matt Law of the Telegraph. 

While it seems unlikely that the Argentinian will change his system dramatically enough to feature two centre-forwards, it is a possibility. 

Evolution is key for Pochettino‘s team. In his first season, elements of the cohesion and aggression that defined his Southampton side began to emerge but only in his second did those become the default.

With his third year at White Hart Lane on the horizon, Pochettino will aim to further inculcate his squad with his philosophy, and any players that fail to fit into their role will be rapidly sidelined. Janssen must avoid that fate or his Spurs career will be over before it begins.

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via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Tottenham Hotspur have added two top-quality recruits to their squad during this transfer window and the focus of pre-season preparations now switches to the pitch. 

Victor Wanyama has joined from Southampton, and Vincent Janssen from Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar; both will now be thrust immediately into first-team consideration. 

Spurs have three warm-up matches scheduled against high-calibre opposition before their domestic campaign gets underway on August 13 at Everton. First, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are the opposition in a whirlwind tour of Australia before a match against Inter Milan in Norway wraps things up. 

In contrast to the schedules under previous Tottenham managers, Pochettino‘s pre-seasons are relatively sparse. A tour of America—organised before his appointment in 2014—is the sole exception as both of the last two campaigns have seen only three matches. 

Harry Kane was evidently fatigued by the end of last season and struggled to reach his customary excellence in the final month. He was similarly ineffectual on England duty at the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France. Pochettino prioritises fitness and physical preparation and, with that in mind, the 22-year-old is unlikely to be immediately involved in Spurs’ pre-season activities. 

While young forwards Kazaiah Sterling and Shayon Harrison will be with the first team and should get opportunities to show their quality, Vincent Janssen is the man to watch in pre-season. 

The Dutchman will have immediate chances to show his quality given the number of Spurs players still recuperating from their exertions in summer tournaments. Juventus and Atletico possess two of Europe’s meanest defences and, while both are in an earlier stage of their pre-season than Spurs, they will present useful tests for Janssen.

Per the official Tottenham website, Pochettino hailed Janssen‘s “perfect profile,” explaining that he “has quality in the box and he’s a striker that likes to fight and work for the team. That is perfect for us.”

The key to Janssen‘s success will ultimately be his ability to score goals, but that is more of a long-term concern. Aged just 22 and making a significant step up in terms of opposition, the Netherlands international may take time to find his best form. This pre-season will be about learning Pochettino‘s system and showing that he can ape Kane’s rounded contribution. 

Last season, Kane failed to score in the opening six games. While the media inveighed against the supposed “one-season wonder,” few close observers were concerned as the England international continued to excel in his other roles. He led the pressing with aggression and intelligence, held the ball well to incorporate his team-mates and continued to take up the right positions. 

That is what Janssen must show in this pre-season and what will determine his success or failure at the club. 

Relatively little of certainty can be taken from pre-season results. Spurs famously battered AS Roma 5-0 and Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in their final warm-up matches before going winless through the opening eight games in Juande Ramos’ final season. 

However, the speed with which Janssen is incorporated into Spurs’ system will be instructive, as will Pochettino‘s willingness to experiment with two forwards. Last season, Eric Dier’s move into midfield was sealed by a 45-minute experiment in pre-season, according to Matt Law of the Telegraph. 

While it seems unlikely that the Argentinian will change his system dramatically enough to feature two centre-forwards, it is a possibility. 

Evolution is key for Pochettino‘s team. In his first season, elements of the cohesion and aggression that defined his Southampton side began to emerge but only in his second did those become the default.

With his third year at White Hart Lane on the horizon, Pochettino will aim to further inculcate his squad with his philosophy, and any players that fail to fit into their role will be rapidly sidelined. Janssen must avoid that fate or his Spurs career will be over before it begins.

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via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J