Pol Lirola: Juventus’ Young Star Waiting To Replace Dani Alves

Having won five consecutive Serie A titles with Stephan Lichtsteiner at right-back, Juventus’ move for Dani Alves surprised many observers this summer.

The former Barcelona star brings greater attacking impetus than the Switzerland international, giving coach Massimiliano Allegri an enviable choice for the starting berth.

Few clubs in Europe boast such incredible depth, but even with that duo presently available, the Bianconeri will still have one eye on that role for the future. Indeed, Lichtsteiner will turn 33 in January, while his new Brazilian team-mate is set to reach his 34th birthday before the end of the current campaign.

Fortunately, Juventus have spent the past few years snapping up some exciting young talent, and one player supporters should keep an eye on is Pol Lirola, who is on loan at Serie A side Sassuolo.

Born in the Catalonian town of Mollet del Valles, 25 kilometres north of Barcelona, his career began in the youth teams of Espanyol before he was spotted by scouts working for Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici.

The Bianconeri official has spent the past six years amassing some incredible young talent, including the likes of Iceland international Hordur Magnusson, who is now at Bristol City, and Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi.

Then only 17 years old, Lirola had already progressed to Espanyol’s B team—who played in Spain’s third division—fielded for 90 minutes in their 2-0 league win over Gimnastic Tarragona in August 2014.

Además, Pol Lirola (@lirola_kosok) ya se encuentra en Turín. Incluso se ha permitido hacerse una foto con Nedved. pic.twitter.com/Y15iYGTsqq

— Proyecto EPEM (@ProyectoEPEM) January 27, 2015

Joining Juve’s Primavera (under-19) side, he quickly made the right-back spot his own, impressing with his attacking impetus but keen defensive awareness. Having fully integrated himself into the team, it was little surprise when the Bianconeri exercised their option to make his move permanent.

According to Calciomercato.com, the club paid Espanyol €500,000 to do so, and that has proved to be an extremely wise investment.

His second season in Turin would see him take a major leap forward, as Romeo Agresti of Goal Italia and JTV explained to Bleacher Report: “Having watched him many times with the youth team last season, I think he has improved a lot under coach Fabio Grosso.

“In my opinion he was the best player in that side and, despite being very young he is ready to play in Serie A because he has the technical skills and is a very intelligent defender.”

Seeing a young full-back improve in the Juventus Primavera should come as no surprise. The team is coached by 2006 FIFA World Cup winner Fabio Grosso, a man who clearly has much to teach a player in that role given his …

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