Calcio Mercato: Juve stepping up

Juventus fans take note, your club is moving in the right direction. You have great young prospects in Giovinco, Marchisio, and De Ceglie and have an abundance of quality in Sissoko, Amauri, Chielini and Tiago, players who have yet to forfill their potential. Combine this with your established stars in Del Piero, Iaqunita, Buffon and Trezeguet then it is clear to all Juventus can challenge anyone. But perhaps there is more good news coming your way. Negotiations for Brazilian player Diego are apparently underway. Diego represents the one ingredient that appears to be missing from the Juve midfield, the combination of creativity and unpredictability. Sure, they have Nedved a man who happens to be my favourite player to ever wear the blue of Lazio. But his best days are gone as a footballer, despite a recent wonder goal against Roma. Yes, they have the wonderful Giovinco, but perhaps Ranieri sees him in a more advanced role in the years to come as a second striker. Diego will add secondary scoring from a midfield role, as his 34 goals in 74 games for Bremen indicate.

Diego, the final piece in the Juve jigsaw?
The answer to the above is no, he is not the final piece in the jigsaw, but he almost completes the puzzle. He adds creativity and flair and complements the more defensive minded Sissoko, who will still be able to get forward in his 'Viera' role at Juventus. They could of course use Diego on the left as a direct replacement for Nedved, or alternatively use him as a trequartisa through the middle of the park especially if Pavel decides to stay on for another year. He is a very flexible player. However, Juve need to sure up their defence if they are to be win the Scudetto next season and challenge deep into the Champions League, especially down the left flank.

Is this a done deal?
With David Silva stressing his desire to stay at Valencia and Diego actually stating that he wants to play in Italy with Juventus then it is a distinct possibility that he will play for the old lady next yeat. This may well end the Ribery interest, unless Juve really feel like splashing the cash and buying both playing Ribery on the left and Diego in a more central role. This would make Juve a highly feared outfit, and certainly superior to Inter and on par with Milan in the midfield area.

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