Matt Nicoletti rates each and every Juventus squad member after their fifth straight Scudetto triumph.
Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Buffon – 9: The veteran goalkeeper enjoyed another terrific season by beating Sebastiano Rossi’s clean sheet record at 974 minutes. At the age of 38, Buffon is like a fine wine, he gets better with age and has signed a contract extension until 2018 at La Vecchia Signora.
Norbeto Neto – 6: Due to Buffon’s terrific season, the Brazilian only got to see three matches of league action with a few in the Coppa Italia. When Neto played, he did a solid job in Buffon’s place.
Defenders
Andrea Barzagli – 8.5: Barzagli has arguably enjoyed his finest season in a Bianconeri shirt. The veteran defender made the most of Giorgio Chiellini’s injury troubles and the transition to a back three in the league.
Serie A – Juventus 2015-16 report card
Alex Sandro – 8: The Brazilian has been worth the money Juve paid Porto. Sandro’s lighting quick pace, incredible attacking skill and defensive abilities promise a bright future at La Vecchia Signora.
Stephan Lichtsteiner – 8: The ever-reliable Swiss full-back once again enjoyed a good season with his intelligent play and unstoppable work ethic.
Leonardo Bonucci – 7.5: The Italian did not enjoy as good a season as 2014-15, yet not many remaining Bianconeri have. Bonucci’s dribbling out from the back and defensive stability contributed to a fine season.
Daniele Rugani – 7: The youngster only saw two games before Christmas, as a substitute against Carpi and Sevilla in stoppage time. After the turn of the year, Rugani’s luck turned and he impressed, performing in a 16 further outings for the Bianconeri.
Giorgio Chiellini – 7: Chiellini’s season was hampered by injury, yet he was always reliable and solid before. The 31 year-old’s season was not as good as last, however.
Patrice Evra – 7: The Frenchman was able to find himself in the lineup on a consistent basis despite the arrival of counterpart Alex Sandro. Evra, just like Chiellini and Bonucci, did not have a better season, yet a solid one nevertheless.
Martin Caceres – 5.5: Caceres barely played and when he did he was not very impressive. Do not be surprised if he leaves the Turin club this summer.
Midfielders
Paul Pogba – 9.5: The most sought-after midfielder in Europe once again had a stellar season for La Vecchia Signora. Pogba has become more pivotal than ever after the departure of Vidal and Pirlo, working hard both defensively and offensively, scoring class goals and assisting 15 times.
Sami Khedira – 8: The German arrived on a free transfer from Real Madrid and quickly proved to be a steal for the Bianconeri. Khedira’s talents of breaking up play and always being in the right place at the right time shined through. Despite been injured here and there, it did not disrupt his performances.
Claudio Marchisio – 7.5: This was not Il Principe’s best season in a Juventus shirt, however, it was still a productive one. Considering he has had to slot into Andrea Pirlo’s regista role in midfield, he has done a good job at that near impossible task.
Juan Cuadrado – 7.5: After beginning the season a little shakily, Cuadrado came into his own as a Bianconero and became a key player for the rest of the season. The Colombian was extremely impressive in the Champions League, especially against Bayern.
Kwadwo Asamoah – 6.5: After spending 18 months out prior to the end of last season, the Ghanaian has found game time hard to come by. However, when he was given the chance in midfield by Allegri he did a solid job with the opportunities.
Stefano Sturaro – 6.5: After being arguably one of Juventus’ breakout players last season, Sturaro has found consistency hard to come by this time around. The midfielder would often replace Khedira when he was injured, doing a sound job in the process.
Roberto Pereyra – 6: Pereyra has not returned from his injury as the same player he was before. The Argentine seems to have momentarily lost that cutting edge that made him such a wildcard last season.
Mario Lemina – 6: The young Frenchman has found game time hard to come by at the Bianconeri after playing at the beginning but disappearing for a lot of the season until the last few months. Lemina has done enough to impressive Allegri, and it is believed he will be purchased from Marseille this summer.
Hernanes – 6: Hernanes was Juventus’ annual panic buy at the end of the summer transfer window. The Brazilian disappointed at the beginning of the season, however, improved near the end of the campaign. Hernanes proved many wrong by playing well in the two legs against Bayern after Marchisio’s injury.
Simone Padoin – 5.5: Padoin was played in the regista role at the beginning of the season but was not very good. The Italian rarely featured for the Old Lady for the rest of the season.
Forwards
Paulo Dybala – 10: La Joya was voted by many Bianconeri supporters as MVP. When the entire team was struggling, one man was a shining light and that was Paulo Dybala. The Argentine completed his successful debut campaign with 21 goals and nine assists.
Mario Mandzukic – 7: The Croatian is somewhat of a polarising figure when you talk to Juventus and Croatian fans alike. Mandzukic has found regular game time under Allegri though, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists.
Alvaro Morata – 7: Injuries, being played out of position and reduced game time mean it was a difficult season for Morata. As a result, the Spaniard found it hard to find consistency. However, he scored crucial goals in the Coppa Italia semi-final and final, the Champions League and the Derby d’Italia against Inter, not to mention his impressive performance against Bayern where he was sorely missed when he was substituted.
Simone Zaza – 6.5: The former Sassuolo hitman has found game time hard to come by at this new club. He has been used as something of an impact substitute, not exactly impressing when he started games. Zaza ended the campaign with five goals in all competitions.
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