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The Italian champions paid FC Porto 26 million Euros for the services of dynamic Brazilian full back. Many of the Europe’s heavyweights, prominent among them Manchester City and Real Madrid, had Alex Sandro in their viewfinder for some time.

 

What he brings

He is a tenacious defender who combines well with his teammates when venturing upfield, but will have the length of the left flank well patrolled as a result.  This gives confidence to team who plays a fluid possession game as Massimiliano Allegri does with Juve’s 4-3-1-2 system prominently.

Sandro’s move to Juve only helps the player in the long run especially to improve his tactical awareness and make him more well-rounded as Brazil’s national team manager, Dunga, assembles his squad for upcoming friendlies in the fall.

Dunga’s comments on Alex Sandro tell how much his skillset is admired back in Brazil:

“He has developed well at Porto. He has improved since his time at Santos. He is capable of sending in good crosses for the attackers, but is also strong in his positioning. He is a typical Brazilian left-back.

He is similar to Roberto Carlos, especially at a technical level and when you look at their dribbling skills. Alex Sandro is a bit less physical, though. He is not as powerful as Roberto Carlos was.”

 

Idols

In fact at his first press conference at Juventus, Alex Sandro mentioned that Roberto Carlos and Patrice Evra are the two players who I’ve most looked up to.  The veteran French left-back now becomes a teammate at the Old Lady.

Undoubtedly a chance for the young Brazilian to learn from one of his favorite players in a new league in Serie A and add depth to a team most likely to be involved in a busy domestic league schedule and deep runs in UEFA Champions League and Coppa Italia.

His dribbling, ability to take on players in one-v-one situations coupled with his power and wonderful crossing make him a great asset.  Juventus will need his skills to ensure some width as Max Allegri’s tactics tends to make the team look narrow depending on game situations.

 

Another asset

His growing tactical flexibility will be an asset as Allegri tends to change his system and lineup per the opponent Juventus faces each week.

“I’m used to playing in both a back three and a back four,” he said. “Obviously in a three-man defense the left-sided defender has to push harder to join the attacks, but as I say I can play in either a three-man or a four-man back line.”

Alex Sandro also said as much at the opportunity playing for the Italian champions:

“Playing here has always been a dream for me and now it’s coming true. Juventus was the perfect choice for me. Coming here will help me to grow as both a person and player. As a team, we’re working hard and will strive to win all the competitions we’re involved in this season. 

Serie A is a tough league and the most tactical in the world. I am sure that the experience will improve me as a footballer. I always give 100% to win. I’m confident I’ll be able to show my qualities both during games and on the training pitch.”

 

Growing core of young talent

As established star power of Tevez, Pirlo, and Vidal moved on, Juventus has been looking to reinforce their team for another Scudetto run. Alex Sandro is another young talented player Juventus has added to their growing core of great young talent: Pogba, Morata, Dybala, Rugani, Sturaro and Pereyra.

 

Written by Vic Charnetsky

Follow Vic on Twitter @VanDerCharks

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