Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti has drawn a significant comparison between young talent Kenan Yildiz and Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The high praise for the Türkiye international comes despite Yildiz currently being sidelined after knee surgery.
Yildiz’s Unpredictable Brilliance
Spalletti, known for his ability to develop players, expressed his admiration for Yildiz’s unique style of play. He described Yildiz as a player who “puts the chrome on top of football,” praising his “madness of invention” and ingenious moves that “break the system.” The coach noted that even when defenders anticipate Yildiz’s actions, they often cannot stop him.
Drawing a direct parallel, Spalletti stated, “For me, he is comparable to Kvaratskhelia.” He highlighted similarities in their “unpredictability” and how they operate “outside of the rules and timing you expect in football.” Spalletti previously played a key role in helping Khvicha Kvaratskhelia adapt to a new style of football during their time together at Napoli, where the Georgian winger flourished.
Vlahovic’s Search for Balance
While full of praise for Yildiz, Spalletti offered a more critical assessment of another Juventus forward, Dusan Vlahovic. The coach suggested that Vlahovic “causes his own trouble” and needs to find “personal balance” within himself. Spalletti elaborated that it is a question of finding the “right emotional temperature” in his game, implying that giving too much or too little effort can be equally detrimental.
Spalletti’s Track Record with Talent
Spalletti’s insights into player development are backed by a career working with numerous high-profile talents. He previously coached Mohamed Salah at Roma, acknowledging that the Egyptian star was already destined for greatness. He also made a significant impact on David Pizarro at Udinese by changing his role, and helped Stanislav Lobotka rediscover his form at Napoli. Additionally, Spalletti coached Joao Cancelo during his tenure at Inter.
Reflecting on his past, Spalletti admitted to one regret regarding a player he felt he did not fully understand: Adam Ounas at Napoli. These reflections underscore Spalletti’s deep engagement with the psychological and tactical aspects of player management, making his current assessments of Yildiz and Vlahovic particularly noteworthy for Juventus and their fans.