Why Juventus signed Pierre Kalulu and what he brings to the team

Juventus has added a new name to their roster with the acquisition of Pierre Kalulu, a versatile French defender who is set to join the team after completing his medical examinations.

Initially viewed as a “Plan C” option after missing out on Riccardo Calafiori and Jean-Clair Todibo, Kalulu’s signing has raised questions among fans. However, his potential impact on the team should not be underestimated.

Why Kalulu Matters

Kalulu’s importance became evident during Juventus’ recent match against Como. The Bianconeri have been refining their ability to play out from the back, a tactic that sometimes faltered between defenders Gatti and Bremer. Kalulu’s arrival aims to solidify this strategy, making him a key player in Thiago Motta’s game plan.

Kalulu’s Attributes

Analyzing Kalulu’s performance from the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons reveals his effectiveness on the field, despite injury setbacks last season.

Kalulu is known for his versatility, playing both as a central defender and a right-back, with a noticeable offensive inclination.

Passing Accuracy

2021/22 Season:

Passing Accuracy: 90%

Passes in Own Half: 92%

Passes in Opponent’s Half: 83%

Total Distance Covered: 19,162 yards

Progressive Distance: 6,639 yards

2022/23 Season:

Passing Accuracy: 89%

Passes in Own Half: 92%

Passes in Opponent’s Half: 80%

Total Distance Covered: 29,265 yards

Progressive Distance: 9,921 yards

Across four seasons at Milan, Kalulu has maintained an impressive 87.3% pass completion rate.

Defensive Prowess

Kalulu is not just about ball distribution. His defensive stats highlight his capabilities:

2021/22 Season:

Interceptions per game: 0.9

Tackles per game: 2.2

Duels won: 57%

Ground duels won: 71%

Aerial duels won: 35%

2022/23 Season:

Interceptions per game: 1.2

Tackles per game: 1.7

Duels won: 61%

Ground duels won: 65%

Aerial duels won: 53%

Player Profile

Pierre Kalulu

Born: June 5, 2000

Nationality: French

Height: 1.82 meters

Foot: Right

Position: Central Defender/Right-back

As Juventus fans and analysts alike debate the merits of this signing, it’s clear that Kalulu brings a wealth of experience and a solid skill set to the Bianconeri’s defense.

While some may have reservations, especially in light of past transfers, Kalulu’s versatility and tactical fit under Thiago Motta’s guidance may prove to be a critical asset in the upcoming season.