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Juventus projected lineup vs Parma: Ronaldo continues pursuit of first goal

By John Vaccaro

Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus FC) during the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on august 25, 2018 in Turin, Italy.Juventus FC won 2-0 over SS Lazio. (Photo by Massimiliano Ferraro/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus FC) during the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on august 25, 2018 in Turin, Italy.Juventus FC won 2-0 over SS Lazio. (Photo by Massimiliano Ferraro/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Blaise Matuidi of Juventus competes for the ball with Adam Marusic of SS Lazio during the serie A match between Juventus and SS Lazio on August 25, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Blaise Matuidi of Juventus competes for the ball with Adam Marusic of SS Lazio during the serie A match between Juventus and SS Lazio on August 25, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) /

Central Midfielder: Blaise Matuidi

Juventus opened up a starting spot for Blaise Matuidi they switched to a 4-3-3 against Lazio last weekend. He did everything in his power to ensure that when Juventus switches back to the 4-2-3-1 he will still be in the starting lineup. His 7 tackles were instrumental in stifling the Lazio attack that led Serie A in scoring last season.

Sami Khedira started the opener, but it should be Matuidi that gets the nod here. He showed just how valuable he is to Juve’s midfield against Lazio. He provides cover for the defense and gives Miralem Pjanic the freedom to create. The starter at this position will likely change from game to game with Matuidi, Khedira, Can, and Bentancur all competing to take the slot over. It should be Matuidi’s for now, but that could change with just one poor performance.

Central Midfielder: Miralem Pjanic

Miralem Pjanic has been a major contributor in both of Juve’s games so far this season. He sent in the free kick that led to Juve’s first goal in the opener and then scored a beautiful volley to open the scoring against Lazio. With Matuidi in a box-to-box role Pjanic had the freedom to operate as a deep-lying playmaker and create for his teammates. He was influential throughout his 68 minute appearance.

Pjanic appears to be the only Juve midfielder whose starting spot is completely safe from week to week. Khedira, Matuidi, Bentancur, and Can all fill a similar role, but Pjanic is a unique presence in the midfield for Juve. He is Juve’s only creator in the midfield and can be expected to hold down his starting spot throughout the season regardless of what formation Juve uses.

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