As Juventus search for a new goalkeeper to replace Michele Di Gregorio, are they overlooking Mattia Perin?
Perin has been a fine deputy at Juventus under at least two goalkeepers and continues to get game time and impress whenever Luciano Spalletti decides to take Di Gregorio away from the spotlight for some matches.
Although he may never receive the appreciation he deserves, Perin has been superb and has done well for the team every time he steps onto the pitch. This is why Journalist Xavier Jacobelli believes he is being undervalued at the club.
Perin Could Offer Juventus an Alternative
The focus has been on replacing Di Gregorio with a new goalkeeper from outside the club, but Perin has proven in the past that he can be trusted, even in difficult matches.
He is one of the players Juventus should be pushing to keep in their squad at all costs. His experience with the club and his performances whenever called upon suggest that he could offer a reliable option as the team considers its goalkeeping plans.
Even more importantly, the club should consider giving him the chance to play in the first team as a permanent replacement for Di Gregorio. However, they seem to view him as an ideal second choice rather than a player who can be trusted with the main role in the team.
Jacobelli Questions Juventus Decision
Jacobelli said via Tuttojuve:
“I believe that in this whole affair, in my opinion, Perin’s role is being underestimated. I mean, I don’t understand why, given these difficulties and it’s clear that Juventus needs a goalkeeper, maybe even two to complete the team, given that Di Gregorio could probably even leave Turin, because Perin, who is in his sixth season overall in his career with the Bianconeri, and every time he was considered, responded in his own way because he had to deal first with Szczesny and then with Di Gregorio himself in the role of goalkeeper, not a starter but a substitute. I mean, in my opinion, at this moment if Vicario or whoever arrives, he would have the right to be, so to speak, placed in a priority position compared to whoever arrives.”
Perin’s situation therefore deserves greater consideration as Juventus decide how to strengthen their goalkeeping department. His performances have shown that he can contribute, and the club may need to reconsider whether he should remain a deputy or receive a greater opportunity.