“I love the pressure of a big club like this” – Portuguese youngster Alberto Costa on making his mark at Juventus, and dream of playing with Ronaldo in the Seleção | OneFootball

Alberto Costa has been forced to be patient since moving to Juventus from Vitória de Guimarães in January. Initially overlooked by both Thiago Motta and his replacement in the dugout Igor Tudor, the young Portuguese full-back now appears to finally be making strides in Turin, having earned Tudor's trust.

Juventus paid a transfer fee of €12.5m rising to €15m for the right-back, 21, who had been with Vitória since he was 10 years old. Costa’s integration under then boss Motta was gradual, spending the first few weeks as an unused substitute while adapting to life at one of the world’s biggest clubs.

However, as time progressed, the Portuguese’s lack of involvement became the subject of discussion among Bianconeri fans. When Tudor replaced Motta in March, Costa was initially only issued brief substitute appearances, but things changed when the Croatian boss decided to offer the young defender his first Juventus start towards the end of the term.

Costa was picked in the line-up at right wing-back for the 1-1 draw with Lazio on 10th May, impressing enough to keep his place for the remaining two Serie A matches against Lazio and Venezia. With an assist against Venezia, Costa ended the domestic season on a positive note, before Juve headed to the Club World Cup.

"Obviously it wasn't easy at the beginning, but the support of my teammates and the entire Juventus universe was never lacking,” Costa told local outlet Tuttosport this week. “They gave me the strength to continue working. It took me a bit of time to settle in: I knew that sooner or later I would be able to play my cards. And so, I trained intensely, every day, with the goal of being ready.

"I'm improving little by little every day, adapting to the coach's game. I'm happy to have had the opportunity to play several games straight for the full 90 minutes. I want to find continuity.”

“I love the pressure”

Having been awarded just 96 minutes of playing time in two months under Motta, the difference in trust shown by Tudor is clear. Costa was asked about the increased faith shown by the new boss, as well as how he felt initially representing such an iconic club after his mid-season move from Vitória.

“I don’t know [why there was such little time given by Motta] but that’s his choice. Yes, the manager has different ideas to Thiago: both defensively and offensively. And I'm trying to adapt to his game as much as possible. Tudor wants me to play well with the rest of my teammates from all points of view: technically, competitively, and offensively. I'm doing my best to improve. Back four or wing-back? I just want to play.

"At the beginning, yes [I felt some pressure at the Allianz Stadium] but I love feeling the pressure of a big club like this. When my agent told me that Juve was interested in me, I didn't think twice, asking him straight away: ‘When are we leaving?’"

By the time Juventus arrived in the United States to compete in the Club World Cup, Costa was an expected starter. It proved the case and two assists in a 5-0 victory over Al Ain in Juve’s opening match saw growing praise of the Santo Tirso native, who also spoke about his adaptation off the field in recent months.

"No, I don't think [I’m reaching a higher level at the Club World Cup] I simply think I've had more opportunities than in my first spell in black and white. I've always worked to be ready. Now all that's left to do is continue training consistently to help Juve win titles.

"I'm studying Italian: for now, I understand it quite well, but I struggle to form sentences, that's it. In fact, with the coach we sometimes discuss in English. I hope to learn it well during the next season. Turin? I moved here with my girlfriend, and we look around the city, which is nice.   "Who has helped me adapt? Above all, I'd say Chico Conceiçao, Douglas Luiz and Bremer, for a language issue. But in general, the whole team has been available to me. We are a united group. We help each other on and off the pitch. I'm proud to be part of this club."    Ronaldo dream   Finally, Costa was inevitably asked about Cristiano Ronaldo, who played for Juventus for three seasons between 2018 and 2021, scoring an astonishing 101 goals in 134 matches for the Bianconeri, breaking the club record for most goals in a single season with 37 during the 2019-20 campaign.

“My childhood idols? I have no doubts about this: Cristiano Ronaldo and Dani Alves.

“Did Ronaldo message me when I signed for Juve? Unfortunately, I don’t have his number. I hope that I will be able to play with him in the Seleção. If I manage to do well at Juve, I hope that call will come sooner or later.”