Matuidi, Khedira and Pjanic are far better players than what we have right now. Even if they weren't exactly what I expected from a Juve mid.
The vast majority of this forum wanted them all out though, especially Pjanic. Most said he was past it and wanted replacements, such as Locatelli for instance. So folks can't have it both ways.
Honestly, the midfield isn't THAT much worse. Sure, it's worse considering Pjanic and Matuidi were always decent, veteran players. But Locatelli is supposed to be one of the best young mids in Europe (some here even said he was the best midfielder at the Euros), and Rabiot was very good with PSG especially as a DM, IMO. Arthur was never really good for Barca from what I saw, looked even worse last year, now fans suddenly want him to start, perhaps because they're grasping at straws for something to hold onto. Doubt that's going to work.
All this aside, this whole discussion is asinine since obviously all of these players are better than Empoli or Sassuolo. Locatelli had a horrible game against the latter and couldn't even celebrate against his old side. Everyone wanted Allegri back because he gets results regardless of players, but he's simply not doing that, sorry. So there isn't a reason to sugar coat it for any particular party, players or staff.