Pape Matar Sarr made a significant impact in his first full start for Juventus, playing the entire 90 minutes in their dominant 5-0 Europa League win against NEC. The midfielder’s performance drew considerable praise from Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti.
Sarr, who joined the Italian giants from Tottenham on a deadline day loan, showcased his abilities in the midfield. Statistics from the match highlight his efficiency, with the Senegalese international completing 98% of his passes and registering 70 touches throughout the game.
Spalletti’s Verdict on Sarr
Following the comprehensive victory, coach Luciano Spalletti expressed his satisfaction with Sarr’s contribution. Speaking in a post-match press conference, Spalletti remarked, “Sarr is a thoroughbred because he has quality in his running. He had a good game tonight, especially considering it was his first.”
The coach further added, “He also responded to me a couple of times, so that’s positive. Players with these qualities can sometimes lack a bit of sharpness, but he did many things well. He was always involved with the team and close to the ball. I’m happy with his performance.”
Loan Move and Future Prospects
Sarr’s move to Juventus was initially a loan deal, with the club paying €2.5 million for his services until the end of the season. The agreement also includes an option for Juventus to make the transfer permanent for €27.5 million.
This full debut marks an important step for Sarr in establishing himself within the Juventus squad, following an earlier appearance off the bench against Sassuolo. His strong showing against NEC will undoubtedly boost his chances for more regular playing time.
Juventus will now turn their attention back to Serie A, where they are scheduled to face Atalanta on Sunday, September 20. Sarr’s performance could put him in contention for a starting spot in the upcoming league fixture.