Paulo Dybala Destroys Genoa

Paulo Dybala’s inspirational display saw Juventus fight back to win 4-2 after going 2-0 down in the first seven minutes of Saturday’s game away to Genoa.

Tactically confused and in poor physical condition, Juventus started the match in the worst possible way and conceded an own goal in the first 20 seconds of the game. With Genoa doubling their lead six minutes later, it looked to be all over so soon.

However, With Gonzalo Higuain acting as the director of play and Dybala playing like the champion he’s set to be, Juventus grew into the game and scored the goals required to complete the comeback and pick up their second win of the new Serie A season.

Ever since Dybala was handed the No. 10 jersey, he’s proved excellent for Juventus. Making the necessary step up after last season, Dybala is playing with more intensity, greater desire, more maturity and insane efficiency. Higuain also deserves a mention for acting like the inspirational playmaker, pulling the strings and launching his teammates despite squandering some of his own chances.

GK Gianluigi Buffon, 6 — Nothing he could do with regards to goals but he did stop Raffaele Palladino in the final minutes of the match.

DF Stephan Lichtsteiner, 6 — The defender struggled in his battle to contain the opponent but he proved vital in stopping Andrej Galabinov from getting to a good Goran Pandev pass. He must also learn to contain his anger and not pick up needless yellow cards for arguing with the referee.

DF Daniele Rugani, 5 — After an excellent performance last week, the youngster struggled to contain Galabinov, cope with the physicality of the game and maintain his composure under the pressure, conceding a penalty that allowed Genoa to go 2-0 up. A poor display.

DF Giorgio Chiellini, 5 — Pushed forward to create offensive moves when possible but struggled in defence, forming part of the problem that led to Miralem Pjanic scoring an own goal.

DF Alex Sandro, 5 — Struggled to contain Pandev and cope defensively when Genoa stretched play. Failing to contribute much to the offensive phase of the game, Alex Sandro is yet to recover his verve.

MF Sami Khedira, 5 — A mediocre display from the World Cup winner who failed to act as a shield in midfield to help halt Genoa’s attacks and help launch Pjanic. Too easily overcome by the opponent, he was replaced quickly in the second half.

MF Miralem Pjanic, 6 — Played a little too deep at times but his vision makes the difference, delivering the key passes required of him and providing Dybala with the assist for Juve’s first goal. The own goal was attributed to him.

MF Juan Cuadrado, 6 — How many players can boast the Colombian’s technique and skill? His goal perfectly demonstrated his talent. Cuadrado may be blessed, scoring a goal to prove it, but he is still frustratingly incapable of providing incisive runs to make the difference or provide his attacking teammates with the support they require.

MF Paulo Dybala, 8 — Once again the best on the pitch, Dybala moved beautifully, combining excellently with Higuain. He scored a hat trick to secure a comeback and played with the authority required of a future Ballon d’Or winner.

MF Mario Mandzukic, 6 — Barely noticed in the match and failed to really provide any offensive threat, but he did deliver a perfect ball for Cuadrado to convert expertly.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 7 — The striker may have missed his goal-scoring opportunities but he made up for it with his link-up play, vision, purposeful runs and excellent assists. Created space for him and his teammates and was often found helping out at the back. If he only he scored a goal too!

Substitutes

MF Blaise Matuidi, 6 — Immediately knew which spaces to occupy to help Juve create chances and which spaces to block to keep out Genoa. Tactically smart, his arrival on to the pitch provided the side with greater stability.

DF Andrea Barzagli, N/A — Did well to win back possession and stop a Genoa move late in the second half.

MF Rodrigo Bentancur, N/A — Boasts quality and good timing but not on long enough to judge properly.