Tiago Mendes (53 Viewers)
- Thread starter Turk_Bianconero
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In your dreams.
Second chance?
After a recent Juve fan poll suggested that Tiago Mendes should be handed another season to impress, Giovanni Spinella ponders such a possibility.
It would be an understatement to say that Tiago Mendes’ first season in Turin was a disappointment. The Portuguese international was expected to become, alongside Sergio Almiron, the engine of Juventus’ midfield. Despite acknowledged technical attributes, neither player succeeded.
Tiago had a particularly tormented time. Initially boss Claudio Ranieri felt his physical regimen wasn’t suited for Serie A and kept him off the first team for some time. When he finally played, Tiago struggled to make his presence felt on the pitch.
Perhaps expectations were misplaced. Juventini still remember the forceful Paulo Sousa, who set the pace for Marcello Lippi’s first Juve side, and held up to such a standard Tiago faltered. Although given opportunities, this lack of character on the field persevered and the ex-Chelsea man ended his season on the bench. With clubs such as Tottenham and Atletico Madrid making enquiries, a sale should be inevitable.
So why the hesitation? Most Juve supporters are haunted by the memory of Thierry Henry, a player who failed in Turin and then went on to international acclaim with Arsenal and they’d like to avoid a repeat. And, like Henry, Tiago did occasionally show glimpses of talent. When he played, he showed an ability to pass the ball that few other Juventus players matched.
His best game last season was arguably the Juventus-Reggina tie, where Tiago set up two of the four goals Juve scored, with a millimetre-precise free-kick that reached Trezeguet’s head and a shot that Reggina’s ‘keeper deflected on to the oncoming Frenchman's feet.
Tactically speaking, Ranieri has repeatedly mentioned that Juventus might shift from the 4-4-2 formation to a more aggressive 4-3-3 line-up. This explains Juve’s decision to give up on Xabi Alonso and sign the more muscular Christian Poulsen. Although this shape is intended to play Alex Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Amauri together, it might also give Tiago an unexpected opening.
The Portuguese’s best run of form has been at Olympique Lyon where he won two consecutive titles, scoring a combined nine Ligue 1 goals. Lyon played in precisely that 4-3-3 formation, with Tiago used either on the centre-left or the centre-right.
With a year of painful experience under his belt, and with a tactical shift more in line with his own preferences, Juventus might be wondering if Tiago has still something to give.
Channel 4
After a recent Juve fan poll suggested that Tiago Mendes should be handed another season to impress, Giovanni Spinella ponders such a possibility.
It would be an understatement to say that Tiago Mendes’ first season in Turin was a disappointment. The Portuguese international was expected to become, alongside Sergio Almiron, the engine of Juventus’ midfield. Despite acknowledged technical attributes, neither player succeeded.
Tiago had a particularly tormented time. Initially boss Claudio Ranieri felt his physical regimen wasn’t suited for Serie A and kept him off the first team for some time. When he finally played, Tiago struggled to make his presence felt on the pitch.
Perhaps expectations were misplaced. Juventini still remember the forceful Paulo Sousa, who set the pace for Marcello Lippi’s first Juve side, and held up to such a standard Tiago faltered. Although given opportunities, this lack of character on the field persevered and the ex-Chelsea man ended his season on the bench. With clubs such as Tottenham and Atletico Madrid making enquiries, a sale should be inevitable.
So why the hesitation? Most Juve supporters are haunted by the memory of Thierry Henry, a player who failed in Turin and then went on to international acclaim with Arsenal and they’d like to avoid a repeat. And, like Henry, Tiago did occasionally show glimpses of talent. When he played, he showed an ability to pass the ball that few other Juventus players matched.
His best game last season was arguably the Juventus-Reggina tie, where Tiago set up two of the four goals Juve scored, with a millimetre-precise free-kick that reached Trezeguet’s head and a shot that Reggina’s ‘keeper deflected on to the oncoming Frenchman's feet.
Tactically speaking, Ranieri has repeatedly mentioned that Juventus might shift from the 4-4-2 formation to a more aggressive 4-3-3 line-up. This explains Juve’s decision to give up on Xabi Alonso and sign the more muscular Christian Poulsen. Although this shape is intended to play Alex Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Amauri together, it might also give Tiago an unexpected opening.
The Portuguese’s best run of form has been at Olympique Lyon where he won two consecutive titles, scoring a combined nine Ligue 1 goals. Lyon played in precisely that 4-3-3 formation, with Tiago used either on the centre-left or the centre-right.
With a year of painful experience under his belt, and with a tactical shift more in line with his own preferences, Juventus might be wondering if Tiago has still something to give.
Channel 4
i also hope he stays. in fact i was convinced he was going to stay after we bought poulsen because tiago's play is different from the rest of the midfielders. however, not seeing him and almiron on the squad for dortmund and the juventus page saying that "Juve at full ranks in Dortmund" as a title of the squad announcment is pretty revealing in my eyes.
i have faith in him and hope he stays but i think he isnt staying
i have faith in him and hope he stays but i think he isnt staying
