Nicolás González: Juve’s New Right Winger
Nicolás González started his footballing journey at the Argentinos Juniors academy, breaking into the first team in 2016 and playing a key role in their promotion to the top flight by winning the Primera B Nacional. His strong performances caught the attention of VfB Stuttgart, and he moved to Germany in 2018. Over three seasons, he developed into a versatile forward, scoring 23 goals in 79 appearances and becoming a crucial player in Stuttgart’s attack.
In 2021, Nicolás made the switch to Fiorentina in Serie A. In the 3 seasons he spent there, he showed continuous improvement. From 7 goals and 3 assists in his first Serie A season, he contributed 12 goals and 2 assists in the 2023-24 season. This improvement caught the attention of many clubs within Serie A and eventually led to his transfer to Juventus.
Internationally, Nicolás debuted for Argentina in 2019, and despite his limited appearances initially, he became a regular contributor. He played a pivotal role in Argentina’s Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024 and was part of the team that won the Finalissima in 2022.
The Transfer
In the summer of 2024, Juventus reached an agreement with Fiorentina to sign González on a loan with an obligation to buy a deal worth around a €38m package. He came with Serie A experience, high potential, and fit the club’s profile. The move is a significant investment for the club, who’ll look to start a new era under Thiago Motta.
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Statistical Analysis of 2023-24 Season
Nicolás González had great volume in terms of shots taken, shots on target, and goals scored. He provided 12 goals with only 2 assists in the Serie A season. He completed 34 dribbles, played 40 accurate long balls, and created 22 chances. With 138 touches in the opposition’s box and great numbers in defensive aspects like duels and possession won in the final third, he’s a well-rounded winger.
Style of Play
Often drops into midfield to receive the ball and progress it forward with pace and skill. He also has the ability to play great passes from midfield into players making attacking runs. Nicolás has the skill to maneuver the ball in tight areas and is very dangerous in and around the box.
The ability to score from anywhere in the box makes him a goal threat, and his smart movement without the ball helps him find the right pocket of space. He is highly versatile and can be deployed on both sides of the attack and in certain midfield roles.
Overall Review
A player with the tactical ability and flexibility of Nicolás González is very hard to find, and taking into consideration his experience in Serie A, this is a good deal for Juventus. The club will expect him to play a key role in their 2024-25 season. He has already gotten off to a good start, making two appearances, scoring, and assisting one time each in a 3-1 win against PSV Eindhoven in the first match of Juve’s Champions League season. Both the player and the club will hope that this is just the start of something special.
By: @TSpec1al
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Christian Kaspar-Bartke / Getty Images Sport