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Calcio Debate: Six Possible Left Back Signings For Juventus
With the Bianconeri reportedly looking to offload Fabio Grosso, Goal.com's Subhankar Mondal lists six possible replacements.
Jul 29, 2010 5:30:00 AM
By Subhankar Mondal
Italian giants Juventus have already made three important signings so far this summer. Right-back Marco Motta has arrived from Udinese on loan, centre-back Leonardo Bonucci purchased from Bari and Jorge Martinez recruited from Catania.
Among other departments that the former Italian and European champions are looking to strengthen this summer is the left-back area. Currently, the first-choice in that position for new coach Luigi del Neri is the 32-year-old Fabio Grosso, who was signed from Lyon last summer but has been under-par in Turin. Paolo De Ceglie is the other left-back option in the Juventus squad but the 23-year-old, who can also feature as a left-winger, is not showing too many signs of improvement.
Therefore, the Bianconeri are in the transfer market for a top class left-back. A number of names have been mentioned, so let us now take a look at them and see whether they are viable options for Juve.
GAEL CLICHY
Nationality: France
Age: 25
Club: Arsenal (England)
Clichy's name has been linked with Juventus for well over a year now, but nothing concrete has emerged. The 25-year-old is regarded as one of France's best left-backs and would certainly strengthen Juve. A transfer is not out of the question, and there are continued reports over a swap deal involving Felipe Melo.
ROYSTON DRENTHE
Nationality: Netherlands
Age: 23
Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
Both Real Madrid and the player's agent have made it clear that Drenthe is staying at the Bernabeu this summer, but whispers of a transfer linger on. Juventus are reportedly keen to sign the former Feyenoord player, who is not a regular at the Bernabeu. Signing Drenthe will give Juve another versatile player in their ranks - the 23-year-old can play as a left-back as well as a left-winger. However, he has not been very conspicuous in the Spanish capital in his three years there: signing him will be a gamble for Juve.
ALY CISSOKHO
Nationality: France
Age: 22
Club: Olympique Lyonnais (France)
This is mere speculation, and Lyon director-general Bernard Lacombe has made it clear the the Frenchman is not for sale. However, hypothetically speaking, Cissokho would be the perfect left-back for Juventus as he has consistently improved and at 22 is still on a learning curve. Strong at the back and powerful going forward, the former Vitoria Setubal man would be a perfect replacement for the aging Grosso.
FABIO COENTRAO
Nationality: Portugal
Age: 22
Club: Benfica (Portugal)
Coentrao was one of the few Portugal players who impressed at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. A versatile player who can feature with as much efficiency as a left-winger as he can as a left-back, the Benfica starlet will be a valuable player for the Bianconeri. Although the 22-year-old could take a leap out of the Portugal league, given that Benfica are playing in the Champions League and Juventus are not could force him to rethink his options.
DIEGO CONTENTO
Nationality: Germany
Age: 20
Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Recent links have emerged that suggest Juventus could turn to the Germany Under-20 international if they cannot find someone more mature and experienced. Contento made his full debut for Bayern Munich in February and made nine Bundesliga appearances, featured in two DFB Pokal games and played in three Champions League matches last season. However, with Bayern going through a very rosy time and Juventus in rebuilding phase, the 20-year-old might not opt for Juve, even if it were for a season-long loan.
DENNIS AOGO
Nationality: Germany
Age: 23
Club: Hamburg (Germany)
The talented Hamburg player is reportedly being tracked by Juventus. Signing Aogo, Juve could add a very versatile player, who can feature as a left-back, a left-sided midfielder and even a defensive midfielder. The youngster has many raw qualities, but there are question marks over his tactics and concentration.
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Among other departments that the former Italian and European champions are looking to strengthen this summer is the left-back area. Currently, the first-choice in that position for new coach Luigi del Neri is the 32-year-old Fabio Grosso, who was signed from Lyon last summer but has been under-par in Turin. Paolo De Ceglie is the other left-back option in the Juventus squad but the 23-year-old, who can also feature as a left-winger, is not showing too many signs of improvement.
Therefore, the Bianconeri are in the transfer market for a top class left-back. A number of names have been mentioned, so let us now take a look at them and see whether they are viable options for Juve.
GAEL CLICHYNationality: France
Age: 25
Club: Arsenal (England)
Clichy's name has been linked with Juventus for well over a year now, but nothing concrete has emerged. The 25-year-old is regarded as one of France's best left-backs and would certainly strengthen Juve. A transfer is not out of the question, and there are continued reports over a swap deal involving Felipe Melo.
ROYSTON DRENTHENationality: Netherlands
Age: 23
Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
Both Real Madrid and the player's agent have made it clear that Drenthe is staying at the Bernabeu this summer, but whispers of a transfer linger on. Juventus are reportedly keen to sign the former Feyenoord player, who is not a regular at the Bernabeu. Signing Drenthe will give Juve another versatile player in their ranks - the 23-year-old can play as a left-back as well as a left-winger. However, he has not been very conspicuous in the Spanish capital in his three years there: signing him will be a gamble for Juve.
ALY CISSOKHONationality: France
Age: 22
Club: Olympique Lyonnais (France)
This is mere speculation, and Lyon director-general Bernard Lacombe has made it clear the the Frenchman is not for sale. However, hypothetically speaking, Cissokho would be the perfect left-back for Juventus as he has consistently improved and at 22 is still on a learning curve. Strong at the back and powerful going forward, the former Vitoria Setubal man would be a perfect replacement for the aging Grosso.
FABIO COENTRAO
Nationality: Portugal
Age: 22
Club: Benfica (Portugal)
Coentrao was one of the few Portugal players who impressed at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. A versatile player who can feature with as much efficiency as a left-winger as he can as a left-back, the Benfica starlet will be a valuable player for the Bianconeri. Although the 22-year-old could take a leap out of the Portugal league, given that Benfica are playing in the Champions League and Juventus are not could force him to rethink his options.
DIEGO CONTENTONationality: Germany
Age: 20
Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Recent links have emerged that suggest Juventus could turn to the Germany Under-20 international if they cannot find someone more mature and experienced. Contento made his full debut for Bayern Munich in February and made nine Bundesliga appearances, featured in two DFB Pokal games and played in three Champions League matches last season. However, with Bayern going through a very rosy time and Juventus in rebuilding phase, the 20-year-old might not opt for Juve, even if it were for a season-long loan.
DENNIS AOGONationality: Germany
Age: 23
Club: Hamburg (Germany)
The talented Hamburg player is reportedly being tracked by Juventus. Signing Aogo, Juve could add a very versatile player, who can feature as a left-back, a left-sided midfielder and even a defensive midfielder. The youngster has many raw qualities, but there are question marks over his tactics and concentration.
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