Juventus: Motta’s management of Vlahovic sparks debate | OneFootball

Dusan Vlahovic is Juventus’ top scorer this season, but his management from Thiago Motta has sparked a debate among fans and the Italian media.

With 12 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions this term, Vlahovic is the most prolific Juventus player in 2024-25.

The Serbian has started whenever fit this season but has been replaced 12 times, the same as Khephren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz and more than any other Juventus player this term.

Juventus: Motta’s management of Vlahovic sparks debate

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 03: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus is challenged by Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan during the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between AC Milan and Juventus at Al Awwal Park on January 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

The latest substitution was perhaps the most controversial.

It happened after just 65 minutes in a Supercoppa semifinal against Milan on Friday. After the Serbia international was subbed off, Juventus conceded twice and lost the game.

Italian fans and media have widely discussed Vlahovic’s management, but not everyone’s blaming Motta for his decisions.

In fact, even if Vlahovic is the most prolific Juventus player, stats show that the ex-Fiorentina striker is also quite wasteful, being the second player in Serie A for big chances missed this term: 12, just one fewer than Cagliari’s Roberto Piccoli.

Although Motta has never publicly admitted it, Vlahovic doesn’t seem to fit his playing style, especially when it comes to building up and helping the team defensively.

Therefore, it’s unsurprising to hear several sources claiming that Juventus have opened talks for Joshua Zirkzee, who shone at Bologna under Motta before last summer’s move to Manchester United.

At the same time, Vlahovic’s contract seems to be an issue for the Bianconeri, who have been in talks with the striker’s agent for a long time.

Vlahovic earns €12m per season and is unwilling to spread his wages onto a longer deal, so negotiations are on hold and the striker’s exit, in January or at the end of the season, is very much an option.