Transfer Market Strategy: How Juventus built a team capable of reaching the Champions League Final

Having won a Serie A and Coppa Italia domestic double, Juventus is still on track to complete the treble when the club faces FC Barcelona on June 6th in Berlin. Irrespective of how the Champions' League Final matchup unfolds, Juve has already achieved a significant milestone by reaching the Champions' League Final; a milestone to which the likes of PSG and Manchester City have not come close having spent significantly more money than the Bianconeri over the past few seasons. 

While it's easy to talk about the luck Juventus has had along the way in being drawn against Monaco and Dortmund (as opposed to tougher opponents), I'd rather highlight some of the transfer market strategies off the pitch that have helped the club excel on it. In an era of massive spending and UEFA Financial Fair-play, in addition to being the only team in Italy with its own stadium, Juventus has shown that through a combination of shrewd scouting, Bosman (free-transfer) signings and prudent spending, you can build a team capable of competing at the highest level of European competition. While the following strategies don't entirely explain Juve's success, they certainly explain a significant portion of it.

Bosman Signings:
Taking advantage of the free-agency rules in place following the Bosman ruling, the Old Lady has been able to make a number of impressive transfers on a free, including the likes of Kingsley Coman, Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Fernando Llorente. These players have provided a significant contribution to the Old Lady's successful season, and when you consider the potential re-sale value of players such as Llorente and Pogba, the return on investment in these players for Juve could be tremendous.

Prudent Signings:
Through a unique ability to consistently find value in the transfer market, Juve has been able to sign great players at a bargain such as Barzagli (€0.3M Euros from Wolfsburg), Lichtsteiner (€10M Euros from Lazio), Asamoah (€9M Euros to end co-ownership with Udinese), Arturo Vidal (€10.5M from Bayer Leverkusen) and Evra (£1.5M from Manchester United). When the club has decided to spend bigger sums of money, it has tended to do so on young outstanding talent with major re-sale value who will provide significant ROI over time, one way or another. Alvaro Morata (€20M from Real Madrid) is an example of this, having scored in both legs of the Champions' League semi-final against Madrid. Yet, Los Blancos have an option to take back the Spanish forward for €30M in 2016 or 2017.

Mature Signings:
Regardless of whether signings qualify as Bosman or prudent, Juve is able to sign players at an age where they are undervalued by the market yet the club is convinced (often correctly) they can be worth more to the Bianconeri. Pirlo, Barzagli and Evra fall into this category of Juventus signings. Due to their age alone, the value of these three players on the transfer market is a small fraction of that of say Kroos, Varane and Marcelo respectively, yet their contribution on the pitch is much more comparable. Even in the case of signing established stars such as Carlos Tevez (signed for a paltry £12M from Manchester City), the Turin club is able to take advantage of unique market opportunities to sign players at a significant discount to their true value.

Italian Core:
For better or for worse, Juventus, like many Italian teams that've enjoyed European success, is anchored by a solid Italian core of defenders. Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci, and Barzagli provide assurances at the back similar to those provided by the likes of Baresi, Maldini, Costacurta and Tassotti in Sacchi's Milan team in the 90's. This foundation allows the more creative players to concentrate on their jobs knowing that they are well-protected at the back.

These are some of the reasons Juventus has been able to dominate in Italy while reaching the champions League final despite having a significantly smaller average player value (APV) than every team that made the final 8 with the exception of Monaco and Porto (see APVs below). Juve's APV is also significantly lower than teams that didn't make the final 8 such as Chelsea ( €21.12M APV), Manchester City (€18.18M APV) and Arsenal (€14.95M APV). In addition, the Old Lady already has future stars on her books such as Daniele Rugani (One of Italy's most promising young defenders), while Palermo's impressive young Argentine forward Paulo Dybala has been signed for a reported €40M. In the event that Juve decides to sell Paul Pogba for an astronomical figure this summer (or next), Giuseppe Marotta, Fabio Paratici and team will be ready to continue to close the deals required to strengthen the squad going forward.

Average Player Value (APV) of last 8 teams in 2014/2015 Champions' League (transfer values from transfermarkt.com

Five best showdowns by Real Madrid in 2014-2015

With the season almost ended and Real Madrid finish without a silverware, I take a look at the five best performances from the Whites this season.

                            5. BASEL-CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5-1)  

The first of Real Madrid's 22 game winning-streak was excellent. It came against Basel at home. Benzema, Bale, James and Ronaldo all got in the scoresheet along with Nacho who started the scoring with a deflected shot.

Bale got the second with a wonderful chip off from Modric's lob and Ronaldo tapped in from Bale's ball. James scored a rebound of Benzema and Benzema acored a terrific shot after a wonderful play by Ronaldo and Benzema.

Moreover, the win highlighted Real's first win in three games and a promising start to the Champions League.

                          4. ATHLETIC BILBAO-LA LIGA (5-0)

RONALDO SCORES A HAND GOAL AND CELEBRATES

Another high-profile game, and Real thrashed the Copa finalists. An extremely good second half with Ronaldo scoring a hattrick.

The first goal was a header from Cristiano which was celebrated by dancing way by Cristiano, James and Marcelo. However, the second half saw four goals: two from Ronaldo and Benzema each. Benzema scored a header and Ronaldo scored a tap-in. The Frenchman scored his second with another tap-in and Ronaldo completed his hattrick with the most funniest goal this season.

Pepe headed from a corner which deflected off from the Portugese's elbow who laughed all the way after the goal. The hattrick equaled Ronaldo's recorrd with Zarra and Di Stefano for most hattricks in La Liga.

Real Madrid's counter attack and pressing and four goals in the second half made me impressed to write this as the fourth best showdown this season.

                                     3. LEVANTE-LA LIGA (2-0)

 

Luka Modric's return to action after three dreadful months was highlighted by a sensational performance by the Merengues at Santiago.

Though just two goals, Real Madrid enjoyed 67% of possession and two crossbars. Ronaldo struck the post at the very start into the game before the Portugese struck in a beautiful bicycle kick inside the goal.

However, the goal was denied but Bale stuck in the rebound. Ronaldo scored another, but yet it was deflected off from Bale's boots.

Benzema hit a wonderful-back flip only to hit the crossbar. And the last clear chance was off from Benzema who scored an offside goal.

Like mentioned before, though their were just two goals, it created a belief in my mind that we can outclass Barcelona the next game which we lost although we were clearly the better side.

                                      2.BARCELONA-LA LIGA (3-1)

 

The most severe game at that point of time. Trailing Barcelona by six points and the Catalans who remained zero goals conceded till October 26 evening, Real Madrid won it 3-1.

However, Neymar was the first to score. It took 20 minutes for Benzema to deliver two successive shots to the bar. But before the end of first period, the Portugese scored from the 12 yard area after Pique carelessly gave away a handball. 

The second period witnessed Real Madrid's class and Barcelona's slip. The Whites could have made it 5-1 or 6-1. But they themselves were unlucky when it came to scoring goals..

Pep gave the much wanted lead through the corner and Benzema scored from a counter attack which was started by Isco who collected a poor ball from Iniesta to Mascherano before proceeding the attack.

The win meant Real lie 3 points behind the Catalans at that point of time and it was the seventh of their 22 winning run.

                     1.ATLETICO MADRID-CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1-0)

 

Perhaps, this game remains as my favourite this season. After being unbeaten against city rivals, Atletico looked to seal the record at its last derby by advancing to the Champions League semis. However, a late winner from Chicharito helped Real ease past their rivals for the first time this season.

It is also the most confident show by the side this season with Ramos at midfield and having more than 20 shots against Atleti for the first time this season. The fans were also highly influential during the match and it was the game in Real Madrid showed what they are.

THE FANS MADE ME EMOTIONAL

Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Varane all started alongwith Kroos, James, Ronaldo, Chicharito, Carvajal, Coentrao and Casillas. Ronaldo provided the assist for Chicharito and the Mexican won it in the 88th minute.

However, their best performance wasn't enough to give them the Champions League as they were dumped out in the next round by Juventus.

After a paradoxically best-and-worst season, Real Madrid end it with no major trophies. Injures of Benzema, Bale, Modric, James and Ramos at various segments affected Real's mental strength.

The season may be the last for Ancelotti at Madrid and is set to be replaced by Benitez. However, I don't want to see Carlo depart and instead let him stay and let us not boo our own players. We will prove them wrong next season.

HalaMadridYNadaMas  

                                 

Real Madrid CF-Juventus FC: Real Madrid look to advance to Berlin.

  

Winner meets Barcelona at Berlin

Real Madrid CF 1:2 Juventus FC at Turin.

Real Madrid look for their one last silverware this season with a healthy win against the Scudetto winners.

Champions League is the last thing the players can bring for fans this season. They are already out from the cup competition and have lost the edge for the league.

Meanwhile, Juventus are on course for a historic treble, like Barcelona, with the Old Lady already having the league in their hands and a cup final. 

However, Juventus edged Real in the first leg 2-1 with the visitors producing a sloppy performance at the back.

On the other hand, Barcelona became lord and master against  Bayern Munchen and advanced  5-3 on aggregate.

Real Madrid will play a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 with the belowsaid lineup:

                                                            Casillas

      Carvajal-------------------Varane----------------Pepe--------------------------------Marcelo

                   Bale/Isco-------------------Ramos----------Kroos-----------James

                                       Benzema/Chicharito--Ronaldo

Benzema is fit and may start ahead of Chicharito. On the basis of advance, Real Madrid must win the game by a scoreline of 1-0. If Juventus scores one, Real Madrid must make it 3-1 to advance directly to the finals. If the match ends 2-1, then the game will be forced to extra time or penalties.

The match is set to be played this Wednesday at Estadio Santiago Bernabeau, 20:45 CET. The winner will meet Barcelona at Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 5.  

Top 12 prospects coming out this year's UEFA Youth League Semi-finals

• The average player value (APV) of the top 12 prospects in the second ever edition (2014/2015 season) of the UEFA Youth League is €0.85M
• Roma and Paraguay striker Antonio Sanabria (pictured below) is the most highly valued player among the final four (Chelsea, Roma, Shakhtar and Anderlecht) at €4M
• Roma's Daniele Verde (€1M) Anderlecht's Andy Kawaya (€0.8M) and Chelsea's Andreas Christensen(€0.75M), all pictured above, are among the top 5 on the list, while Anderlecht's €0.8M valued 17 year old centre-forward Aaron Leya Iseka is the youngest player among the top 12
• Defensive midfielder Beka Vachiberadze (valued at €0.5M) is the most valued player on the other UEFA Youth League semi-finalist Shakhtar Donetsk roster

Top 12 players in 2014/2015 Semi-Final Lineup (Transfer market values from transfermarkrt.com)

'You 're wrong Pep, there is a system called Real Madrid to stop Messi'.

 

After a spectacular performance against Bayern, Guardiola reported that nothing could stop the Argentine.

However, his performance in the last few Clasicos proved that Real Madrid discovered a way to stop Messi.

Lionel Messi produced a sparkling display against his former team, but here we provide you with points to stop Messi which was used by Real Madrid.

                                          A ONE MAN DEFENSE

RAPHAEL VARANE SINGLE HANDED MESSI IN HIS FIRST GAME

It may appear to be strange, but if we analyse, it is the first thing Madrid do against Messi.

This system was first started by Jose Mourinho when he was in charge at his last season at Madrid. He opted to start with Varane who stopped Lionel Messi all the night.

This system was used throughout the season and Messi and Barca were kept at bay. They were unable to defeat Real Madrid that whole season.

Since that year, no team used this system but Real Madrid discovered another technique to stop Messi.

                                     PRESSURIZE MIFDFIELD     

NOT IN THIS PIC: LUKA MODRIC, KROOS AND JAMES PRESSURIZED MESSI THIS SEASON

  
After Ancelotti's arrival, he lost his first two Clasicos. This is because at first, he started Ramos in attacking midfield so that to defend at the midfield area.

But that system didn't work well. At the second Clasico, Real Madrid played super naturally, with no marks on Messi or Neymar. This helped them to play their natural game and Messi stuck a hat-trick to give Barca the win.

But since that day, Ancelotti stopped Messi at the most possible way. He found a new way called pressurize midfield with Kroos, James and Modric renouncing themselves as defenders.

This is an effective system used by Ancelotti and some other unnoticed teams to stop Messi.

                                    MARK SUAREZ AND NEYMAR

MESSI, NEYMAR, SUAREZ BLOCK IDEAL

This may seem to be strange, but a strong analyser may say it's a good idea. This wasn't a system introduced by Madrid, but by Malaga and Celta de Vigo.

The system have a lot of influence in stopping the attacking trio. Barca lost to Malaga and Celta and MSN was provided with a stiff resistance.

The reason is that, there is a common and dangerous long-ball that Messi puts from the right wing to the left wing where Neymar or Suarez colllects the ball and score.

By blocking Neymar and Suarez, Messi could be subdued to a small limit.

                                LEAVE A LOT OF SPACE FOR MESSI

MESSI VS REAL MADRID 

It may seem to be a foolish idea, but the trick works. This is a way to avoid Messi from dribbling.

This fact coincides with the first point: a one-man defense. Real Madrid were the first to start this technique under Mourinho.

It worked tremendously during 2012-2013 season and with the one-man defense, Messi were restrained to a point.

The reason for this idea is that Messi remains the greatest dribbler in the world. If you go with four or five, he will dribble one-by-one.

But when it comes to one-last-man, especially someone like Ramos or Varane, it will be harder because they must be dribbled twice or thrice. The great example for this is Varane's first El Clasico.

                                 REAL MADRID ITSELF AS A WHOLE 

REAL MADRID:ATTACK, DEFEND, COUNTER

The way Real Madrid play in a Clasico, if they win or lose, is the best and the most appropriate example for #HowToStopMessi.

Since October 2012, Messi produced a wonderful performance just once in eight El Clasicos.

Real Madrid used various types to subdue him and it worked well most of the times. They also used their trademark counter attack to score against the Catalans. Especially in the last three Clasicos, Messi earned very little pride for himself compared to other games.

  

   

           

Handful of errors cost Real Madrid defeat at Turin.

 

With their first away defeat in Champions League this season, Real Madrid face daunting task to overcome Old Lady.

Juventus 2-1 Real Madrid

Real Madrid slumped to defeat against Juventus after Carlos Tevez penalty ensured the newly crowned Italians hold a slender edge over world champions.

However, the defeat was due to a handful of errors in the defensive area as well lack of attacks in the 90 minutes. While, we take a look at five reasons why Real lost out to Juventus.

                                AN ATTACKING MIDFIELDER RAMOS 

 

Sergio Ramos was the star man two weeks ago when Real overcame Atletico to reach the semi finals of Champions League. A similar display was expected from the Spaniard but the former was unable to make any impact.

But the difference between the two displays stands in two words: defense and attack.

Against Atleti, Ramos played at the defensive mid and it felt like Real had three strong centre backs. But against Juve, Ramos was given a more attacking role which he failed before against Barcelona last season. 

On the other hand, Ramos couldn't keep up with the pressure exerted by Juventus and missed a lot of passes.

With a highly tense second leg expected, Ramos must go back to his defensive mid and help Real advance to the finals.

                                    CARVAJAL'S WASTEFUL TACKLE

 

Daniel Carvajal's penalty turned all the gold to silver. Morever, it was just useless and wasteful at that point of time.

Had he left Tevez, the Argentine could have had a shot that may not find the net. Casillas was well positioned and ready for the shot, but before that Carvajal fouled him in such a way that the ball was not even closer to him.

The right-back also produced his bad performance by refusing to cross the ball from the wing. But his part in the build up of Real's goal must be appericiated.

With just one yellow away from suspension, Carvajal must reduce his rough-arm tactics and focus more on the game.

                                    AN UNORGANISED DEFENSE

 

The third talking point was how Real looked in defending. Well, it was awful. 

The first goal, definitely was a bad error from Varane. Tevez powered a shot through Varane which was saved by Casillas but Morata got the better off Pepe at the rebound.

And the second goal was off from Carvajal's foul. Ramos also looked awful and Varane let one off for Llorente.

Pepe was reasonably good but Marcelo was poor when it came to defending. 

Real Madrid must surely produce a stubborn defense at the second leg at Santiago Bernabeau which will decide who will make to Berlin.

                                    NO CHICHARITO, NO WORK

 

Javier Hernandez Chicharito was on the bench against Juventus. This was one of the blunders done by Ancelotti last night.

The in-form Mexican whose goal helped Real past Atletico, was introduced after 60 minutes as a replacement for Isco. However, he performed well till the end.

He should have started rather than Bale. Madrid highly missed his work rate and form.

Gareth Bale was no-match for Chicharito as the Welshman produced just less than half the chances the Mexican did against Atleti.

With the return leg on Wednesday, Javier Hernandez must make the cut in the starting XI or Real may face another downpour.

                                              GARETH BALE

 

So far, the worst this season, Real Madrid must replace the Welshman with Chicharito.

The ex-Tottenham star failed to make any impact on the game and endured another difficult night in the Los Merengues shirt.

His lack of attack and touches at the ball made it look like there were just 10 men on the field for the visitors. Bale also failed to shine when on possession.

With all the blunders and critics created this season, Bale may never be seen in the field this season.


The second leg will be played on July 13 at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu with the then home side look to overcome the deficit.
     

                                        

   

 

Analysis of this year's surprising Europa League Semi-Finalists - Dnipro Individual Player Transfer Market Valuations

Key Soccerlytics Insights:

• Dnipro FC has a total transfer market value of €82.7M and an average player value of €2.76M
• Of the four teams left in this season's Europa League, Dnipro has a significantly lower APV compared to Fiorentina(€5.46M APV), Sevilla(€6.49M APV) and Napoli (€9.72M APV)
• Pictured above, winger Konoplyanka (€16M) is Dnipro's most highly valued player, and a likely transfer target for some Europe's top clubs this summer.
• Konoplyanka, who has been linked with Liverpool, Tottenham and Roma in the past, is valued at 480% above Dnipro's €2.76M APV 
• 25 year old Ukrainian International Roman Zozulya (€6.5M) is the most highly valued striker in the squad
• 26 year old Czech International Ondrej Mazuch (€5M) is the most highly valued defender in the squad

Transfer Market Value Index Chart as of 5/5/2015 (Market Value data from Transfermarkt.com)

Sevilla 2-3 Real Madrid: Incredible Ronaldo silences boo boys.

Cristiano Ronaldo hattrick puts an end to Sevilla's home run.

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first player to score hattrick against Sevilla for the fifth consecutive season.

Real Madrid put an end to Sevilla's home record with a tense 3-2 win. The home side came back twice but was unable to draw at the end as Cristiano Ronaldo scored a fantastic hattrick.

Ronaldo was earlier criticised for his rage on Arbeloa last week as the Spaniard stole the ball from the Portugese to score the goal.

However, the latter showed a spectacular display with three brilliant goals against the Andalusian.

The game started poorly for the both the sides as none was able to take advantage at the game. 

The first chance was for Ronaldo who saw his shot get saved by the goalkeeper. However, just 36 minutes into the game, Ronaldo scored an header to give Madrid the lead.

Just a minute later, Ronaldo added another one to his tally with a clinical karate kick finish. James crossed in for Chicharito who put on a terrible header only for the Portuguese to knock home.

Sevilla, too, were never frightened to make a comeback. After a historical comeback against Barcelona three weeks ago, they seemed a repeat after Carlos Bacca scored a penalty seconds before halftime.

The two goal lead was restored when Ronaldo scored a terrific header from the side of the post off Gareth Bale.

But Real Madrid lacked intensity in defense as they conceded another with substitute Iborra scoring an easy tap-in. 

It was then Casillas who came to the rescue as he saved a number of chances that could have proved costly.

The game ended after Ramos cleared away the last corner of Sevilla.

With Real and Ronaldo in good form, they can overcome Juventus whom they visit this Tuesday at Turin for the Champions League semifinals leg-1.