Juventus Player Ratings vs Wydad: Yildiz Show in Philadelphia | OneFootball

Kenan Yildiz threw a spectacle at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, inspiring Juventus to a 4-1 win over Wydad. Igor Tudor’s charges took a giant step toward reaching the quarter-finals in their maiden FIFA Club World Cup appearance.

Juventus had a dream start as Abdelmounaim Boutouil scored an own goal in the 6th minute to break the deadlock. Only ten minutes later, Kenan Yildiz doubled Bianconeri’s lead with a stunning long-range strike after receiving a pass from Andrea Cambiaso.

However, Wydad pulled one back midway through the first half. Nordin Amrabat teed up Thembinkosi Lorch with an excellent through ball after a lethal counter-attack. The South African forward calmly slotted the ball past the helpless Michele Di Gregorio to restore drama.

Despite Juventus’ significant ball possession of over 70%, Amine Benhachem’s men were no idle threat, especially on the break. In addition to the goal, they attempted three more shots on target in the opening half an hour, yet Di Gregorio thwarted all.

Meanwhile, Juve’s only shot on goal in the first half ended up in the back of the net. Though the possession scales balanced after the break, there was still a feeling that Juventus were in complete control. Yet, chances were at a premium for the Turin giants before Yildiz notched up a brace on the stroke of the 70-minute mark.

Second-half substitute Dusan Vlahovic put the cherry on top deep inside stoppage time to seal another dominant victory for the Serie A powerhouse. With six points from the first two Group G rounds, Tudor’s men have all but secured knockout qualification with a game to spare.

Let’s look at our player ratings.

Juventus (3-4-3)

Michele Di Gregorio – 8/10

Called into action more often than expected, the ex-Monza goalkeeper stood tall under pressure, making several key stops while showcasing sharp reflexes and solid positioning.

Lloyd Kelly – 5/10

Arguably Juve’s poorest-performing defender! He was nowhere near Lorch for the goal. An unconvincing defensive display from the ex-Premier League star.

Nicolo Savona – 8/10

Deployed more central this time, the Italian youngster held his ground against Samuel Obeng, making Wydad’s center-forward largely ineffective.

Pierre Kalulu – 6/10

Though Tudor gave him a more conservative role this time, the French ace held up his end of the bargain, proving crucial in stopping Wydad’s counters several times.

Andrea Cambiaso – 7/10

Though he booked another assist, it was a simple cutback, leaving Yildiz with everything to do. However, the star wingback looked lively on the left, creating havoc with overlapping runs down the flank.

Khephren Thuram – 7/10

The Frenchman was the beating heart of Tudor’s midfield, pulling all the strings with composure, vision, and physical dominance. His athleticism and technical quality stood out this afternoon.

Weston McKennie – 4/10

Juventus’ utility man didn’t have a game to remember. On the contrary, he was among the weakest on the field. His early giveaway nearly helped Wydad get the opening goal. Hard to blame Tudor for taking him off at halftime.

Alberto Costa – 3/10

The most threat Wydad had managed in the first half came down his flank as the young Portuguese couldn’t cope with Lorch’s pace. On top of that, he was far from convincing in attack.

Kenan Yildiz – 10/10

Whenever Juventus needed someone to thread the needle against Wydad’s low block, they could count on the Turkish starlet. In addition to an outrageous strike, he must feel bitterness for seeing his 6th-minute strike classified as an own goal. However, he added another one in the second half to put the final nail in Wydad’s coffin.

Francisco Conceicao – 6/10

With Yildiz soaking up the limelight as the headline performer, the diminutive Portuguese had to settle for a fringe role on the opposite wing.

Randal Kolo Muani – 7/10

Despite failing to get on the board, the Paris Saint-Germain loanee was omnipresent in the build-up, often dropping deep to take part in link-up play. He registered a second-half assist for his trouble.

Substitutes

Teun Koopmeiners – 6/10

Manuel Locatelli – 6/10

Dusan Vlahovic – 7/10