Juventus Juniors: A look at the youngsters who can make the leap into the first team next season

Juventus have truly risen back to power. We will resist comparisons to 'The Dark Knight Rises' and not spoil it for everyone. But yes, the Bianconeri seem here to stay. After the dark days of Calciopoli and the season in the Serie B, winning the the previous season undefeated has been a real response. With an 'Invincibles' tag to their names now, there will be even more pressure to perform this season.

Perhaps their biggest relief will be that they are back in the Champions League and will be hoping to perhaps add to their tally of two trophies in that particular competition. With a wonderful blend of youth and experience in their squad, Turin's Old Lady seem to have an optimum squad at their disposal this season.

But it's no lie that you never can have enough youth players when it comes to football. Some might make it, some mightn't, but that is no excuse for not having a solid youth system in place. Look at Ajax who make profit after profit for their exceptional academy. Look at Barcelona, whose La Masia academy let's them integrate players into the first team almost seamlessly.

So who do we think can break into the Juventus first-team this season? Let's take a look...


Name: Carlos Garcia Ambrosiani

D.o.B: 17 January 1993

Nationality: Sweden

Position: Defender (CB)

Joined: 2010

Having joined Juventus from Djurgården in early 2010, he's certainly made a few ripples in their Primavera (junior) team already. An wonderfully accomplished central defender already, he is the captain of Sweden's U-19 team and is widely regarded as the best defensive product to come out of Sweden since Olof Mellberg.

Strengths:

The Swedish teenager has the rare gift of having good physicality coupled with man-marking awareness and speed. His strength in the air combined with his other talents makes him a perfect stopper and to add to that, he has a good passing brain. A cool head and tenacious in his effort to unsettle opponents, he is an exciting possible successor to one of the central defensive slots.

Weaknesses:

He has a bit of a rash tackle on him, though, once getting sent off for collecting two yellows.

Recent performances:

He has been a rock for the Primavera squad, becoming their undroppable central defender with the solidity of his performances. He has featured in 22 matches and is without any goals to his name and one red card. But then this really is a case of misleading statistics. The current captain of the Sweden U-19 side, played 18 games for the U-17 side before his promotion last year.

Where he will fit into the squad:

Being behind the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Lucio, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci, one realizes that it is unrealistic and unfair to expect him to see a lot of first team action this season itself, but he should certainly expect to see a few run-outs just to smooth his transition into it if he can keep up his level of performance. Expect to see him in full force in two or three years.


Name: Elio De Silvestro

D.o.B: 10 March 1993

Nationality: Italy

Position: Midfielder (Right Wing)

Joined: 2010

An advanced midfielder, de Silvestro is equally comfortable as a winger, second striker or trequartista, much like one Eden Hazard. Indispensable in Giovanni Rossi's Primavera side, he even had a pre-season run-out last season. Will he have a more prominent role in this one?

Strengths:

A two-footed player, he is a good finisher and is surprisingly strong in the air despite his height. He also has a bit of flair in him that makes him tricky to track, especially in the wings. A hard worker with burgeoning awareness, he is one to watch out for.

Weaknesses:

A player without any major playing weaknesses, he does need experience to help him cool down. Often when things aren't going his way, he tries to overcompensate and usually ends up trying to do too much on the ball.

Recent performances:

When Arrigo Sacchi (who is the technical director of Italy's U-18) singles you out for special praise, you know you have talent. De Silvestro has featured in 45 games for Primavera and has scored 15 goals. He has already played 20 international games in various bands of Italy's junior teams, the most recent being against Spain for the U-19s.

Where he will fit into the squad:

In all likelihood this season will see him in the first team squad, albeit as a reserve. His versatility will be a valuable asset for Conte as the Bianconeri will have many more games to deal with than last season thanks to their Champions League participation.



Name: Pol Garcia Tena

D.o.B: 18 February 1995

Nationality: Spain

Position: Defender (Centre Back)

Joined: 2011


A Spanish U-17 international he was signed last year from, where else but, La Masia. We will resist the urge to compare the tall, lanky and good-looking defender to Gerard Pique just yet, but in time one could very easily see all that hype being justified. The 16 year old has been making a few ripples but we don't think the fish will leap up just this season.

Strengths:

A cultured defender, he is comfortable in possession of the ball, has decent vision and a good pass on him. Fairly strong in the air, his real assets are his speed and tackling.

Weaknesses:

He isn't a very strong defender, it must be said. And often gets outsmarted off the ball. While the first has a lot to do with physique, the second is just inexperience.

Recent performances:

He has featured for both the Primavera (U-21) and Allievi (U-17) Nazionali team and for the ‘Future Champions’ tournament. In a number of practice games against the senior team, he has impressed. He was one of two players to finish the 90 minutes for the B team at Juventus' traditional "Summer family match".

Where he will fit into the squad:

It's highly unlikely he would have gotten anything more than a pre-season look in but maybe a call up against weaker opponents could take place. He has a bright future at the club and Juventus will surely look to bring out the best out of his talent. A perfect replacement for centre-back position for the future, the Old Lady certainly seems well-stocked in that department.

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