Juventus player ratings vs Atalanta: Gonzalo Higuain keeps Juve atop Serie A

CAM: Federico Bernardeschi: Inc.

Federico Bernardeschi was injured early in this match and was forced out in the 26th minute. Hopefully, he recovers quickly and is able to return to the squad soon.

ST: Paulo Dybala 8.5/10

This match was a major struggle for Juve’s attack for most of the match, but Paulo Dybala stepped up in a big way late in the match. It was his Messi-esque run that seemed to spark the attack, and nearly earned Juve an incredible equalizing goal.

Then, he scored Juve’s third goal to cap off a dominant finish to the match. I’ve been saying for a few weeks now that Dybala has been Juve’s best player this season and his performance in the second half of this match makes it easy for me to continue believing that is true.

ST: Gonzalo Higuain 10/10

Gonzalo Higuain only started this match because Cristiano Ronaldo was injured and he made the most of the start. It took a while for Juve’s attack to get going, but once it did, Higuain took this match over.

His first goal came on a deflection, but he may have actually scored anyway even if he didn’t get the deflection. The second one he made a perfect run into the middle of the box and smashed home Cuadrado’s cross.

However, the most impressive part of his performance may have actually been the assist on Dybala’s goal. It was an absolutely beautiful cross-field pass that set Dybala up to put the match away. Dybala may have been the best player for Juve so far this year, but I think Higuain might be the MVP.

This is now the 4th consecutive match where he has either scored or assisted the match-winning goal and 5th overall. He has stepped up when Juve has needed him the most and I really don’t know how you can bench either of Dybala or Higuain right now with the high level they are both playing at.