Juventus, in its opening matches of the Club World Cup, is exceeding the most optimistic expectations, showing encouraging signs both statistically and tactically — even considering that the opponents faced so far are, for the most part, weaker than the teams in Serie A.
Still, in my opinion, the team offers many points for reflection, both in terms of mentality and purely tactical aspects.
One of the first aspects to highlight is the clear change in mentality. This shift in attitude, along with tactical evolution, can be observed through statistical data that helps contextualize the team’s current moment.
In terms of possession phase, Juventus maintains a solid capacity to control the game through the middle developing through the center, it’s clear that central midfielders play a strategic role and are key components in the current system.
This statistic reinforces Juventus’ intent to develop plays through the center and highlights the need for qualified reinforcements in that area.
The team prefers to build its plays through the wings — especially the left side, and a bit less through the right. In other words, it’s a team that avoids attacking through the center and relies on the flanks.
Juventus is the second-best team — behind only Bayern Munich — in goals scored from build-up plays. This underscores the importance of having players who can manage possession effectively, particularly central midfielders and possibly a center forward.
Even at this early stage, Juventus already demonstrates a concrete approach: central build-up with sustained possession, followed by exploiting the flanks to finish plays.
The heatmaps of matches so far confirm this: there is strong presence along the flanks, but also solid activity through the center, reinforcing the team’s solidity and aggressive posture. Still, it’s important to remember that the opposition hasn’t been particularly challenging, which requires cautious interpretation.
Juventus concentration of play against Wydad AC.
In resume, Full-backs move up to support the wingers, there are internal overlaps, and one of the midfielders frequently drops deep to receive the ball and initiate play.
Juventus concentration of play against Al-Ain.
There is a lot of players sobrepositions, movimentations and triangulations throughout the matches that are well-executed and repeatedely. So far, this model has worked well tactically, though there are still gaps, especially in the central midfield zone.
These close combinations, triangulations, and movements — combined with the freedom given to attacking players — have helped boost the individual performances of some talents within the collective context, such as Yildiz, Chico, and Kolo, who have stood out so far.
Mercatto prieorities: I used Tudor’s statements and this first impressions as baseline to reflect on the priorities: a central midfielder, a forward, and a defender.
