Juventus have one foot in the elimination stage after an impressive showing at Old Trafford, where they dominated in the first half, opened the score with Paulo Dybala, and, despite not doubling the lead, managed the game nicely, limiting the opponents to just one clear scoring chance. Here are the best performers for each position.
Leonardo Bonucci (6 points): a great game for both centre-backs, who were tasked with the arduous job of handling the muscular Romelu Lukaku. Giorgio Chiellini is always at his best in this kind of match-ups where he can go to war with the enemy, while Bonucci has a cleaner and more elegant style. He was successful on Tuesday and gets the nod over his teammate because he was not booked. He forestalled the adversaries several times, led the movements of the back-line with precision, wisely distributed the ball in the build-up of the action and tried a couple of balls over the top that almost got to the strikers. He has not had the best start back in Turin, but he showed up in this case, drawing the praise of José Mourinho.
Juan Cuadrado (7 points): his resurgence on offense is a little surprising considering how well Federico Bernardeschi was playing and the return of Douglas Costa. Massimiliano Allegri deployed him again in the trident, perhaps because he has the highest work rate of the trio and the midfield is a little light because of the absences, and the Colombian winger delivered with few menacing raids and provided a lot of energy, combining well with both Joao Cancelo and the other attackers. He got credited with the assist on the lone goal of the contest, where he created havoc with a deep cut in the box.
Paulo Dybala (7 points): Massimiliano Allegri gently invited him to step up in the pre-game presser, anointing him in the group of youngsters that will have a leading role in the future of football. He was utilized as false nine in lieu of Mario Mandzukic and did not disappoint. The front-line had actually fluid roles and the three members were free to switch position, which, for instance, led to the first goal, where Cristiano Ronaldo charged down the right flank and delivered a fantastic cross and Cuadrado was in the centre-forward spot on the near post, then Dybala easily pounced on the rebound. On top of scoring, he dished few classy plays and was always threatening with the ball on his feet.
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