Thiago Motta came into Juventus before the start of the season to help revolutionize the club. He didn’t like many of tools he had at his disposal which led to a lot of sales and incomings. However, there was a few Motta wanted to play around with one of those tools being Kenan Yildiz.
The young talent of Yildiz was used in the central areas of the pitch under Allegri, but Motta has changed the use of the pass downed tool. Motta has used him on the left-hand side of the pitch mainly instead of the central areas.
Many people have said that Yildiz should be used down the centre even if it forces changes. Kenan was even asked before the Manchester City game while in an interview with Motta “If your coach wasn’t here where would you like to play”.
Motta was annoyed with the question because of the fact that it plays with hypotheticals. Yildiz decided to respond, “I will play where the coach wants me to play”, Motta replied to Kenans strong answer to a bad question with a simple “bravo”
How it can be done
If you look beyond this the question can be asked why Yildiz isn’t a central option. The answer to this question could come from the signings made in January. Douglas Luiz and Teun Koopmeiners are both midfielders that can play the role of both a 10 and a 8.
However, both seem more comfortable in the 10 which is likely where Kenan Yildiz would be, and even if you move one down to the eight to free him up. You then have one of Luiz or Koop on the bench with Thuram and Fagioli.
As well with the current squad it would only leave four wingers which need to fill two spots (assuming Nico Gonzalez plays against Venezia.) The other position where he could be used down the middle is at striker.
Dusan Vlahovic has been the lone striker so far this season. He hasn’t had much support due to the injury of Arek Milik before the Euros. Kenan Yildiz could play support minutes, but these have mainly been done by Mbangula and Gonzalez.
The only way it is possible is if Yildiz cuts inside, while Cambiaso overlaps behind. This would mean that play would have to be built up the right side and then switched to add speed once an attacking area is reached.
However, even from the left side he has been a key point of difference. Eventually opportunities may arise where a player will be needed for the centre of the pitch and Yildiz can be that.
