Old Team: Real Madrid
New Team: Juventus
Basic Demographic
The 28 year-old defensive midfielder joins an already defensively minded Juventus team. Khedira provides an anchor in the midfield, becoming a facilitator rather than a scorer. While his handles with the ball are above average, his vision and passing to find the open guy. While his passing skills are great, defense comes first with Khedira, having a great sense of timing when diving for a tackle. Khedira also has experience in many championship caliber teams. He helped Germany win the World Cup in 2014 along with helping Real Madrid decimate Atletico Madrid in Champions League final in 2013-14.
What Was His Transfer Fee?
This was a free transfer for Juventus. Khedira was easily persuaded to join the Italian super club because of the lack of playing time that he was receiving. Real Madrid just had too much depth at midfield which led to Khedira being low on the depth chart. Khedira dismissed the motion that many believed that his move was based on money. Khedira quoted from the Mirror, “Real Madrid offered me a huge contract and one in which I could have eventually won more. My decision to leave Real Madrid was not about money.” This free transfer Juventus saves them money to spend on finding a goalie for the future since Gianluigi Buffon will be turning 38 this upcoming season.
What He Brings to Juventus?
Khedira helps bolster an already defensive Juventus team. He can be inserted right into the starting XI due to Pirlo’s impending move away from Juventus. Although he may not be a building block for the future in Juventus, his presence will definitely keep Juventus on the top of Serie A. Don’t look for him to help their goal scoring prowess, but instead look for him to create more opportunities by facilitating out to on the wings. This move also brings another good player to the Juventus in case Paul Pogba does finally decide to leave in the upcoming transfer window.
What Are His Outlooks with Juventus?
The Good
Khedira strengthens an already great midfield for Juventus. With Pirlo citing that he wants a move away from Italy, this creates a place where Khedira can start right away. Khedira will receive plenty of playing time while also providing opportunities for Pogba to go one on one on the one of the outside wings against a defender due to Khedira’s passing. In addition to helping create opportunities, Khedira helps reduce the chances that the opposition will get, reducing the chances on a young keeper that Juventus could possibly get. Khedira’s presence will solidify their position on top of Serie A and give them a great shot at another run in Champions League
The Bad
Juventus will still be one of the premier teams in the Italian league regardless of Khedira success or not. Khedira receives full playing time but his body is not up to it. Fans will probably have to wait for the entire season in order for Khedira to build his stamina. Khedira will tough out the season though, while still being a defensive stopper for Juventus. There is not much of a down side, unless the poor play leads to him being benched which then could cause issues.
By: Ryan Bode
Sweetness Sports 