Former Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved has insisted that the Bianconeri is not dependent on talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. The Juventus vice-president admitted that the five-time world footballer of the year was sorely missed.
The Portuguese captain was out of action for 19 days due to COVID-19. He proved his importance to the team when he came on against promoted Spezia to bag a brace.
Juve coach Andrea Pirlo decided to rest the talisman against Benevento during the weekend Serie A clash, adding that he tired. Juventus ended playing a 1-1 in the game.
Ronaldo later returned to the Old Lady’s starting lineup for the Champions League Day five game against Dynamo Kiev. He continued from where he stopped with a goal in the 3-0 win over the Ukrainians at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.
Nedved, who noted that Ronaldo was about to score 750 goals in his career, is not being depended on. The Juventus legend noted that such players of immense quality will be missed, especially the younger ones, as his presence brings character to the side. He added that the same is with Italian lads’ likes, which include Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, and Gigi Buffon.
Juve has already qualified for the next round of the Champions League second in the group behind Barcelona with a 100 percent record in the competition. Juve will later travel to Camp Nou to face the Catalan giants. This will offer a reunion for Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. The former scored at the Allianz Stadium as Ronaldo was recovering from COVID-19.
But they will have the chance to face each other next week, and give their fans an opportunity to see them.both on the pitch.
Ronaldo scored as Juventus won 3-0 against Dynamo Kyiv. They now have 12 points from 5 Champions League games and Cristiano Ronaldo has better two for them. This was the 750th goal of his career.
Written by Oladipupo Mojeed