Zeki Celik has quickly established himself as one of Juventus’ most reliable players, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by Romeo Agresti.
The Italian journalist believes that, when taking into account the money invested and what Juventus have received on the pitch, the Turkish international could be considered the Bianconeri’s best move of the summer transfer window.
AGRESTI: “CELIK IS PROBABLY THE BEST SIGNING OF THE SUMMER”
Agresti particularly highlighted how quickly Celik has adapted to a role that is not naturally his primary position.
“Zeki Celik was probably the best signing of the summer when you consider how little Juventus invested in him. He has been very consistent at left-back, even though he is naturally a right-sided player.”
Agresti also pointed out that Celik had a different role at Roma.
“At Roma, under Gasperini, he was mostly used as a centre-back or on the right side.”
At Juventus, however, he has shown that he can successfully handle the demands of playing on the opposite side of the pitch as well.
“HE CONTRIBUTES BOTH DEFENSIVELY AND OFFENSIVELY – HE IS NOW AMONG THE FIRST NAMES ON THE TEAM SHEET”
Celik’s contribution does not stop with his defensive duties. Agresti particularly highlighted his impact at both ends of the pitch.
“He contributes on both sides of the pitch, with goals – including the one against NEC - as well as assists, and he is currently one of the first players you put in the team.”
Celik has therefore gone from a player who arrived without huge expectations to an important part of Luciano Spalletti’s squad in a very short period of time.
AGRESTI WARNS: “JUVENTUS NEED ANOTHER OPTION”
Despite the Turkish international’s excellent performances, Agresti believes Juventus should not rely on just one reliable option in that position.
“However, Juventus need another option in that position because of the very demanding schedule, the Europa League, the Coppa Italia and all the other commitments.”
Squad depth could therefore become one of the important topics ahead of the January transfer window.
CAMBIASO UNDER SCRUTINY: “THERE ARE CERTAIN DOUBTS”
Agresti then addressed the situation surrounding Andrea Cambiaso, whose return represents one of the unknown factors for Spalletti.
“There are still certain doubts about Cambiaso and how he will return, both mentally and in terms of his performances on the left side.”
Celik’s current form makes the situation even more interesting, as Agresti believes there is currently no reason to change something that is working.
“IT WOULD BE CRAZY TO MOVE CELIK FROM THAT POSITION”
Agresti was very clear on this point:
“With Celik playing this well, it would be crazy to move him from that position.”
It is perhaps the biggest compliment the Turkish international could receive – a player naturally associated with the right side has now established himself through his performances as a strong option at left-back.
AGRESTI ALSO ADDRESSES JANUARY: COULD CAMBIASO LEAVE?
The most interesting part of Agresti’s analysis concerns the upcoming transfer window. The Italian journalist does not rule out the possibility that the situation could change further if the right opportunity arises for Cambiaso.
“If an opportunity arises in January for Cambiaso to leave, and Juventus are able to replace him with another signing, I don’t think that would be a problem.”
That, of course, does not mean that Cambiaso is currently on his way out of Juventus, nor that there are advanced negotiations over his departure. Agresti is referring to a possible scenario should the January market present the right opportunity.
One thing is clear from his analysis – Celik’s performances have seriously changed the hierarchy at left-back for Juventus.
From a relatively low-profile summer signing to one of the first choices in the starting XI – the Turkish international is currently one of the most pleasant surprises of the new Bianconeri season.
Source: Romeo Agresti
