Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi has expressed significant concerns about the current state of the club, particularly its midfield, according to an interview with a journalist in Milan. Tacchinardi believes Juventus faces a “difficult market” due to a surplus of players and a lack of clear direction. He highlighted the need for a transformative player in midfield, suggesting the current options fall short of the standards set by Serie A rivals Inter, Napoli, and Milan.
Tacchinardi questioned the decision to build the team around Manuel Locatelli, stating, “I was surprised by the choice to identify Locatelli as a cornerstone.” He believes a player like Franck Kessié would offer more to the squad, providing personality and drive. He noted Juventus’ struggles to score goals and control matches, criticizing Thuram’s lack of development and acknowledging McKennie as a versatile but insufficient solution.
The former player emphasized the importance of leadership in midfield, comparing the impact players like Rodri and Modric have had on their respective teams. He argued that Locatelli, despite his growth, needs a different type of partner – someone with physicality and goal-scoring ability – rather than players like Thuram who haven’t reached their potential. Tacchinardi questioned the overall technical project for the Juventus midfield, expressing curiosity about Spalletti's plans.
He was critical of Koopmeiners, suggesting the player needs to move to a club with lower expectations to regain confidence. Tacchinardi believes a loan spell could benefit Koopmeiners, allowing him to rediscover his form without the intense pressure of playing for Juventus. He also dismissed Douglas Luiz as lacking the necessary qualities to command the Juventus midfield, categorizing him as a “discreet” player rather than a game-changer. He did, however, offer some praise for Weston McKennie, noting his versatility, goal-scoring record, and resilience under pressure, suggesting he is a consistently reliable option.
Regarding Khephren Thuram, Tacchinardi believes the player’s growth has been stunted by a lack of a commanding presence alongside him. He stated that players like Thuram need a strong personality to guide them and deliver the ball at the right time and in the right manner, suggesting Thuram hasn’t yet reached his full potential. Finally, Tacchinardi expressed cautious optimism about young player Miretti, suggesting he could be a valuable asset if he can handle the pressure and embrace a more confident attitude.
