Marchisio on Juventus midfielders: ‘Koopmeiners like me, fantastic Douglas Luiz’ | OneFootball

Former Juventus and Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio has given his assessment of Thiago Motta’s new midfielders, explaining that he sees similarities between himself and Teun Koopmeiners, and that Douglas Luiz brings an added level of quality after his move from Aston Villa.

Marchisio gave an in-depth interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Saturday morning.

Marchisio on Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz

The former Bianconeri midfielder is excited to watch Koopmeiners, who has taken Marchisio’s old shirt number. Marchisio feels that is not where the similarities end, though.

“I’m happy with his arrival and that he took the no.8. I wish him all the best. And most of all, I hope he takes off and gives Juventus fans something special.

“Koop defines himself as an all-rounder, like me. He has excellent physical qualities, he is intelligent on the pitch, as a trequartista or in a different role. He’s a really important addition for Juve. The league has started well, but now it starts to get serious with the Champions League and all the other competitions.

Marchisio also gave his assessment of Brazil international Douglas Luiz. He was asked whether he was worried or surprised that he has not started in the league yet.

He replied: “Neither, I think it’s a normal settling-in period for a player who comes from a different and less tactical league than Serie A. Douglas Luiz has fantastic technique, just look at how he touched the ball every time he comes on and you’ll understand that he’s different.”

Juventus progress and best summer signing

Are Juventus close to catching up with Inter, the reigning Serie A champions?

“They (Juve) invested a lot, but they needed to ahead of the Champions League return. Inter remain the strongest, but Juventus are closer now after the transfer market.

There was also a word on former Juve midfielder and current free agent Adrien Rabiot: “One player alone does not change the team, for better or for worse.

“Let’s not forget the guys who stayed, though. Locatelli has been more free and relaxed compared to last season. Sometimes change means a lot for a players, not to blame Allegri, these are things that just happen in football. It happened to me in the past as well.”

Marchisio was also asked which of the summer signings has intrigued him the most.

“Conceicao, it’s a shame about the recent injury. I’ve known Thuram for years as well. However, the best move is the trust that has been given to Yildiz by handing him the no.10.

“Kenan doesn’t have the same story as Del Piero, who replaced a great in Roby Baggio, but he’s young like Ale was and has similar qualities. I hope Yildiz can show off all his talent, of which there is plenty.”