STATS: Dybala - the man who unlocks defences

Sport360 staff 13:11 30/01/2017
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  • Class act: The Juve star.

    When Paulo Dybala signed for Juventus in the summer of 2015, he was promptly handed the No. 21 shirt that had been made famous by Andrea Pirlo. The Juventus legend had just left Turin for an MLS swansong, and there was no doubt that Dybala was stepping into some big shoes.

    Dybala was also considered a replacement for his compatriot Carlos Tevez, who had left Juventus that same summer after starring for the Italian champions for two years. The pressure was on the young Dybala’s shoulders, but the Argentine showed he was up to the task. In his debut season for Juventus, he scored or assisted a goal at a rate quicker than another Juve legend, Alessandro del Piero, had in his debut season.

    Fast forward one year, and the 23-year-old has become one of the best attacking players in Italy. His scoring rate for the Turin side is phenomenal, at nearly one every other game, but his value goes beyond his goalscoring prowess. As the stats show, he’s currently Serie A’s best at unlocking a defence with a through ball.

    Dybala’s presence has allowed another Argentine, Gonzalo Higuain, to do what he does best and score goals. With Paul Pogba gone, Dybala has stepped up and taken the responsibility of being Juventus’ premier attacking force, and the Old Lady has appreciated his presence as her dominance of Italy continues.

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