Exclusive: Buffon on Juventus team-mates
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Article summary
Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon introduces us to the finalists' squad including a "battering ram", a couple of bulldogs and "one of the few footballing geniuses".
Article top media content
Article body
Gianluigi Buffon, goalkeeper
"Buffon ... [laughter] is an expert!"
Giorgio Chiellini, defender
"Giorgio Chiellini is the strong one, he's our big, physical presence."
Andrea Barzagli, defender
"I think Barzagli is an exceptional defender. He's definitely one of the best three or four in the world."
Leonardo Bonucci, defender
"Leonardo Bonucci is the player who's matured the most this year compared with the rest of the squad. He's made an impressive jump in terms of his maturity. Now I really consider him on the same level as Barzagli and Giorgio. He's the best that you can have in defence."
Stephan Lichtsteiner, defender
"Stephan Lichtsteiner is our little pendulum. He's our constant engine who never stops running down the wing. He attacks and he defends when he needs to and that makes him a reliable player."
Patrice Evra, defender
"Patrice Evra, alongside myself and a few others, is one of the players who has the most experience in this competition. I must say that when there are important battles, it's great to see the competitive spirit that he's able to transmit."
Paul Pogba, midfielder
"Paul Pogba is an incredible talent. He can and will be able to achieve whatever he wants in life, in footballing terms. It just depends on him and his desire."
Claudio Marchisio, midfielder
"Claudio Marchisio, alongside Leonardo Bonucci, is a player who's had an amazing year in terms of his character. He's a player who I believe is now perfectly aware of his own value. He's a very intelligent player both tactically and technically. He's very good at winning back possession in midfield. He always does a good job and is very versatile."
Andrea Pirlo, midfielder
"Andrea Pirlo is one of the few footballing geniuses."
Arturo Vidal, midfielder
"Arturo Vidal is our warrior. Arturo, as we often say, is a really good guy and a splendid player. If I had to go war, I'd always take him with me."
Stefano Sturaro, midfielder
"Stefano Sturaro is a player who joined in January, but he's settled into our dressing room and mentality of wanting to win very quickly. He also has a very specific role. He's our bulldog in midfield, just like Arturo."
Roberto Pereyra, midfielder
"Roberto Pereyra is the one who can switch the balance of a battle in our favour. With his mazy runs and his impact in midfield, given that he's technically excellent, he can win us games."
Simone Padoin, midfielder
"Simone Padoin can do the lot. He's one of those players that can do well in any role and can be effective in any team. His seriousness, ability to sacrifice himself for the team and quality have seen him make an important place for himself at Juve."
Álvaro Morata, forward
"Álvaro Morata has been the biggest surprise and now that I know him, I can say that if matures in the right way and if he wants to put his professionalism to the benefit of the team and the profession, he can be the star of the next few years."
Carlos Tévez, forward
"Carlos Tévez is our power source in the sense that when he performs, the whole team performs. He's crucial."
Fernando Llorente, forward
"Fernando is our battering ram. He went through a tough period. Now, for the last three or four matches, whenever he plays he puts in the aggression that's needed. He understands what you need in a battle and he's in fine shape."
Gianluigi Buffon was speaking to Paolo Menicucci