++ [ originally posted by Sergio ] ++
Well, then if I don't see his talent, then I'm not alone in this assumption, or else he would have been a lot more than a 4th striker last year, and Juve wouldn't have needed to go out and buy their future #10 in Ibrahimovic this year.
I recognize full well that DP isn't the player he used to be. However, this year, I sense something different in him. I sense a player who is willing to work within the limitations that are in front of him now, and I feel that we will see a transformation in his game, much like the way that Baggio did during the middle of his career.
Call Del Piero a lot of things if you like, but don't call him stupid. Stubborn? Maybe, but all great athletes need time to adjust their style because they may have lost a step. the technique and the footwork is still there. Now with a true force like Zlatan helping him out, this could free up all new possibilites for Alex.
Don't forget, they have strengthened the squad immensly this summer, bringing in young, fresh blood in the midfield, and with the maturation of Oliveira on the wing or even as a situational striker if need be, there will be a lot of pressure taken off of him.
Give the man time. He, at least, from the fans point of view, deserves that. Now, I don't want to sound like a Del Piero apologist, because anyone on here who knows me knows that I'm the complete opposite, but this squad was re-built practically from the ground up to tailor the type of style that will not only suit Coach Capello, but DP as well.
A little patience is an awfully small price to pay.