Quote (kbk @ Jan 9 2012 09:06pm)

He hasn't slowed down yet, dictated the pace as well as he could have against Lecce, I believe in every game this season Juventus has had greater possession and Pirlo is central to that, including nearly 75% possession against Cesena iirc
Lecce really did well at stopping the midfield and Juventus' attack of Vucinic-Matri-Pepe is pretty horrible at making things happen (minus Vucinic who is the only creative player, and the only one capable of taking on defenders of those three)

Quote (slevin777 @ Jan 9 2012 02:08pm)

I missed your hate against Pepe

Quote (kbk @ Jan 9 2012 09:11pm)

Matri has been just as bad if that helps
Neither can take on defenders well, while Pepe has improved his dribbling he is still poor at opening up a defense

Juventus lacks presence inside the box due to playing one striker, lacks high quality chances- especially without Vucinic

Quote (slevin777 @ Jan 9 2012 02:14pm)

Matri scored 16 goals in 31 matches with Juventus... Not as easy as it may seem in Serie A..

Quote (kbk @ Jan 9 2012 09:17pm)

He lacks the characteristics to be a successful lone striker, deadly with another striker next to him
Horrid against Roma and Udinese for example- tough games when you need something more

Quote (slevin777 @ Jan 9 2012 02:19pm)

the whole team was horrid in both matches.. most of the time both teams where in the midfield..

Quote (kbk @ Jan 9 2012 09:20pm)

because when Juventus did get the ball up front they have too much of a static attack especially without Vucinic

Quote (slevin777 @ Jan 9 2012 02:25pm)

yes but since Matri has never been that much of defence-opener you can't expect him to perform killer-dribblings or create opportunities by himself... He's a great striker if he has the right support

Quote (kbk @ Jan 9 2012 09:27pm)

I agree, he is just not ideal for the center of a 4-3-3 without Vucinic who isn't really a traditional winger which is why it works

Quote (slevin777 @ Jan 9 2012 02:36pm)

I'd really like to see him play with Quagliarella on his side... Sucks that he got injured again... They've been easily the best 2 italian strikers in the past years