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Il Destino Del Serbo: How Dušan Vlahović Looks to Deny Doubters under Juventus’ Thiago Motta

October 2, 2024
Player Analysis, Serie A Analysis

From the ruckus and the buzz of Belgrade, Dušan Vlahović managed to ignite a spark into himself to make him one of the most pronounced young footballers in Europe. Vlahović started off with humble beginnings being a product of the Partizan Belgrade system for multiple seasons before joining La Viola of Fiorentina in the winter transfer window, officialising his move to Italian football the day of his 18th birthday.

 

A forward known for his keen eye in front of goal, and an excellent frame of body to withstand the physical pressure from defenders, Vlahović made a name for himself in Fiorentina’s Primavera squad, winning the title in his debut season with the club. As the seasons went on, the Serbian forward was the trifecta to Fiorentina’s success in recent seasons as he slowly started to make a name for himself amongst Europe’s top talents. 

 

 

His star-stricken performances convinced his Serbian compatriots to call him up to the Serbian National Team where he has totalled more than 10 goals in 30 appearances for the Eagles. Vlahović became a pivotal part of Cesare Prandelli’s system during his time at Fiorentina, with the no.18 ripping through the ranks with just over 20 goals and named as the Serie A’s best young player. 

 

As the Serb continued to excel on the highest level, his stock continued to rise as the following season he broke the record for most goals scored by someone born in the 2000s era, amassing around 40 goals in a season. Serie A clubs were smitten by Vlahović’s potential and growth and exactly 4 years later, La Vecchia Signora struck on the signing of the forward in a blockbuster move for the winter transfer window.

 

Former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri felt it was right for the Serb to slowly saturate into the side, allowing him time to acclimatise to the stature of the club before making starts from the first minute. His first start came round in February in what was a debut to remember, striking the opening goal in a successful win against Hellas Verona.

 

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Slowly but surely, Vlahović made sure his presence was known amongst the team and shortly became one of the youngest non-Italian internationals to net 50 goals in the Serie A, another reason to motivate the Belgrade-born player to push even harder. A few seasons later, the no.7 turned to no.9 and roadblocks had been instantly hit with the forward being forced on the sidelines with multiple injuries, which meant the road to recovery would have to be hard endured.

 

The Serb made sure that he would be match fit come the end of the season and the time came right when Juventus reached the final of the Coppa Italia. An evening under the lights of the Stadio Olimpico and Vlahović knew he was 90 minutes away from his first success in Italian football. 

 

A super start to the game saw I Bianconeri take the lead from a Vlahović goal and La Vecchia Signora managed to hold onto the lead for the rest of the game to secure their 15th Coppa Italia trophy. The Serbian sniper is known for his potent presence in and around the box, moving himself incredibly well to shift off opponents, however is just as effective off the ball, creating space for his teammates by breaking away from defenders.

 

 

Before the departure of Allegri and the arrival of Motta, Vlahović finished the season making 33 appearances and having a combined 20 goals and assists as Juventus finished in the Champions League places. An underrated part of his game comes from his linkup play with the midfield players and his physical ability to hold off allows an attacking overload to create many chances in front of goal, an asset we saw many times during his breakthrough season with Fiorentina.

 

Now under the new reign of Brazilian-born coach Thiago Motta, Vlahović looks to be the focal point of the revolving attack especially with the outburst of young players in attack like Kenan Yıldız and Francisco Conceição. So far, the Belgrade-born player has impressed, managing to rekindle his form with 4 goals in his first 6 league games with a recent double against Alberto Gilardino’s Genoa side, with glimpses of his excellent linkup play proving dividends to Motta’s style of play when in attack.

 

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The young forward looks to impress and remove any doubt from fans of his form and whether he can reach the heights of his time however with the new man at the helm, it might be the right time to unlock and unleash a rejuvenated Serie A striker.

 

Duci in bianconero mantiene l’obiettivo in vista.

 

By: Lorenzo Gagliotta / @LG24Sports

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / NurPhoto

 

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