Realistically if we bring in James, Dybala is gone. I can't see us keeping both - they would step all over each other. That would be a 4th left footed attacking player. Obviously they play different positions, and honestly I do think James is the more versatile player, that being said, James doesn't play striker, which means we would only have Mandzukic & Ronaldo if Dybala were sold. Our depth situation probably favours Dybala, even if Rodriguez is probably a better midfielder than Dybala. Also Dybala is familiar with the team while Rodriguez would need to be integrated.
if selling Dybala permitted Juventus to buy Rodriguez & Pogba, I might be tempted because that would improve us net after the team adjusts. Keeping Dybala and buying Rodriguez doesn't seem that useful - since the only logical formation I can think of is a 4-3-1-2 formation playing all 3 players, and it would sorely lack a true #9. In a central mid role, Pjanic with Rodriguez would leave a lot to be desired on the defensive end and would mean that Can would probably be the only DM option when those two are players are on (Allegri once said that Can as DM allows a CM with more quality to play, ie: a Bernadeschi for example).
I would much prefer a Pogba purchase (or another CM that is athletic and good on the ball with ability to link play/ run with ball) vs. James if we are keeping Dybala.
My preference is to go for Pogba, and add a depth striker (pure #9 that can help in build up and occupy central areas given both Ronaldo & Dybala likely moving into wide areas). Unfortunately, there are few strikers who are good enough for Juventus:
I see 4 buckets to pick from - Italian strikers, proven strikers for top teams that are either not elite or past their prime, top strikers from europa league caliber teams, or young players entering prime (most expensive)
1st Bucket - Italian #9s - Immobile, Belotti, Zaza - I think all would cost more than they are worth.
2nd Bucket - Established Strikers for top teams that are not considered elite or past their prime. - Olivier Giroux, Benzema, Falcao
3rd Bucket - Top strikers on top teams in non-top 4 leagues or europa league caliber players - Aduriz, Jonas, Bas Dost, William Jose, Nils Petersen
4th Bucket - Young players with upside - Piatek, Andre Silva, Cutrone.
1st Bucket - NO THANKS
2nd Bucket - Probably the most enticing are Benzema & Giroux. Benzema has played with Ronaldo and plays well in central positions, however, he isn't a true #9. Giroux is a true #9, and very good off the ball. He has important in the world cup, and is an expiring contract. Giroux as a bench player, taking a vice Mandzukic role would be serviceable.
3rd Bucket - NO THANKS
4th Bucket - Possibly, but would be expensive & raw. Silva is interesting bc of the portuguese connection and huge improvement in his game since leaving Milan, but ultimately don't think its the best option.
Feels good to get to the point where you can reject 90% of players because they aren't good enough. We're there.
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That account isn't fake news
https://sportbild.bild.de/bundeslig...entus-turin-verlaengerung-58110002.sport.html
Def not fake lol
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Agnelli gonna use his great relations with Bayern, give them Dybala (once Lewa goes to Madrid) and take James off them.
@Fr3sh @Bianconero81 pls discuss
Boss wants him...
Beppe Marotta - December 2017 said:
Rodriguez was confirmed to be "a player who is very dear to president [Andrea] Agnelli”.
Just that makes it feasible, I suppose. I do think Dybala would have to be out though.
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