The most elite teams, the most skilled players, and the most pristine managers from all parts of Europe, all coveting one masterfully crafted trophy. It must be that time of year again: the start of the UEFA Champions League. A tournament that separates the good from the great, the Champions League musters together 32 teams from the best leagues around Europe in a group stage then knockout round elimination format. Come June 3rd, 2017, one team will be distinguished as the best team in Europe and engrave their names in history: the question remains for now though, who will that team be?
While it would be simplistic to choose the perennial powerhouses of the tournament to raise the trophy in July-- defending champions Real Madrid, juggernauts Barcelona, or established Bayern Munich-- I truly believe these superior favorites will be dethroned by an unlikely-under-the-radar-team, Juventus.
In the 2016 campaign, Juventus did not live up to set expectations as they were unable to advance past the round of 16 in the Champions League, which left a bitter taste in their mouths that I believe will be converted into a strong desire for vengeance in this year's tournament. The team proved to be underwhelming in both aspects of the game, offense and defense, since they only scored 10 goals and conceded nine. These deficiencies were highlighted during their final game against Bayern Munich when they gave up four goals.
However, I expect a strong turnaround this year with the acquisition of Gonzalo Higuain, a striker with the prowess of scoring goals, who is coming off a historical season in which he broke the record for the most goals scored by one player (36) in Italy's top league. Along with the up and coming Argentinian superstar, Paulo Dybala, Juventus now has a strike force that can decimate any defense in their way. But Juventus did not just settle with Higuain, they also added two new defensemen in Dani Alves, an experienced veteran of the game, and Medhi Benatia. They may have lost Paul Pogba in the transfer window, who is widely considered one of the best players in the world, but they quickly replaced him with another central midfielder in Miralem Pjanic, who is a technically-gifted individual that should fit the team well since he aligns with the play style of the team: quick passes that lead to counterattack opportunities.
Midfielder Claudio Marchisio, defenseman Giorgio Chiellini, and goalkeeper Gianliugi Buffon also return to the Juventus squad for this year's tournament. These seasoned veterans will be able to display incredible skill along with impeccable leadership abilities to their teammates that will allow the team to execute their desired style of play and ultimately victory.
Barring any injuries or set backs, this Juventus team possesses the skill, the depth, and the leadership to beat any team they face, including the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. Thus, come July I full heartily expect this dark-horse Juventus team to raise the Champions League trophy and solidify themselves as the best in Europe.
