Explore how Dusan Vlahovic is carrying the legendary striker legacy at Juventus and redefining the future of football at the iconic Italian club.
Dusan Vlahovic and the Striker Legacy at Juventus
Juventus Dis88 Club is synonymous with excellence, history, and a fierce winning mentality. Over the decades, the Turin giants have been home to some of the most iconic strikers in football historyāRoberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet, Carlos Tevez, and most recently, Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the post-Ronaldo era, Juventus placed their faith in a new prodigy to lead the front lineāDusan Vlahovic, the Serbian sensation who burst onto the scene with Fiorentina and quickly became one of Europeās most feared young forwards.
Now in 2025, Vlahovic is not just living up to expectationsāhe’s redefining what it means to be a modern striker at Juventus. In this article, weāll explore how Vlahovic fits into the long line of Juveās attacking legends, how heās evolved tactically, and what his impact means for the future of football in Turin.
The Weight of Legacy: Juventus and Its Iconic Number 9s
To understand Vlahovicās role, we need to understand the rich legacy heās inherited. Juventus doesnāt just sign strikersāthey craft icons.
Legendary Strikers Before Vlahovic:
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Alessandro Del Piero ā The ultimate symbol of class and loyalty. Del Pieroās ability to combine flair with leadership made him irreplaceable.
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David Trezeguet ā A poacher in the purest sense, with an eye for goal and positioning that defied logic.
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Carlos Tevez ā Fierce, passionate, and tirelessāTevez brought a South American fire to Juventusā attacking line.
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Cristiano Ronaldo ā The most marketable and statistically dominant forward of his generation, Ronaldo brought global eyes to Juve.
When Vlahovic signed in 2022, the expectations were massive. He wasnāt just filling a tactical gapāhe was stepping into a cultural role.
Vlahovic’s Arrival: A Statement of Intent
Juventus’ ā¬70 million swoop for Vlahovic from Fiorentina was a bold signal. At just 22 years old, the Serbian forward was one of Europeās hottest talents, having scored 20+ goals in back-to-back Serie A campaigns.
What Made Vlahovic Stand Out:
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Physical Profile: 1.90m tall, strong in duels, powerful in the air.
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Left-Footed Finisher: Lethal from inside and outside the box.
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Work Rate: Willing to press, drop deep, and fight for possession.
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Mentality: Confident, resilient, and ready for the spotlight.
For Juventus, the signing represented a return to youth investmentābuilding the future around one focal point in the attack.
Adapting to Allegriās Juventus: Tactical Evolution
Vlahovicās initial months were turbulent. Massimiliano Allegriās conservative, defense-first approach often isolated him. Despite this, Vlahovic showed flashes of brilliance, scoring crucial goals and adapting his game.
By the 2024/25 season, the system began to evolve around him, rather than in spite of him.
Tactical Changes That Helped Vlahovic Flourish:
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4-3-3 System: Provided wide support and better midfield service.
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Higher Defensive Line: Allowed quicker transitions and more attacking zone entries.
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Support from Wide Forwards: Players like Federico Chiesa and Kenan Yildiz created space and delivered assists.
Now, Vlahovic isn’t just a striker waiting for serviceāhe’s a mobile attacker who drops deep, links play, and initiates attacks.
Numbers Donāt Lie: Vlahovicās Rising Influence
By May 2025, Vlahovic had netted 19 Serie A goals and contributed 7 assists, helping Juventus challenge for the Scudetto and advance to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
Key Stats in 2024/25:
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Shot Accuracy: 61%
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Touches in Opponent Box (per 90): 8.4
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xG (Expected Goals): 20.7
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Pressures in Final Third: Top 10 among Serie A forwards
These numbers reflect more than just finishing ability. They show a complete strikerācombining positioning, technique, and tactical awareness.
Mental Maturity and Leadership
In addition to his on-field performances, Vlahovic has matured mentally. No longer the hot-headed youth, he now shows signs of leadershipāencouraging teammates, leading the press, and taking responsibility during tough matches.
At just 25 years old, heās already wearing the armband in Daniloās absence and is widely viewed as the next captain in the making. His charisma and professionalism echo those of past leaders like Del Piero and Chiellini.
Vlahovic vs. Juve Legends: A Comparative Glance
Player | Peak Goals in a Season | Style | Legacy Status |
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Alessandro Del Piero | 21 (Serie A, 2007/08) | Creator, finisher, leader | Club Icon |
David Trezeguet | 24 (Serie A, 2001/02) | Poacher, aerial threat | Fan Favorite |
Carlos Tevez | 20 (Serie A, 2013/14) | All-rounder, workhorse | Short-term Star |
Cristiano Ronaldo | 31 (Serie A, 2020/21) | Machine, goal magnet | Global Phenomenon |
Dusan Vlahovic | 19 (and counting, 2024/25) | Physical, modern striker | Legacy in Progress |
Vlahovic may not have matched Ronaldoās raw numbers yet, but his all-round game and trajectory suggest he could be Juventusā next long-term great.
Building Around Vlahovic: Juventusā Future Vision
Juventusā strategic moves suggest a clear plan: build a dynamic, young team around Vlahovic. With talents like:
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Kenan Yildiz (AM/Winger)
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Nicolò Fagioli (CM)
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Andrea Cambiaso (LB)
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Manuel Locatelli (DM)
ā¦the Bianconeri are aiming for long-term sustainability. Vlahovic is not just the face of the attackāheās the foundation of a new Juventus dynasty.
The Cultural Connection: Vlahovic and the Fans
Despite his Fiorentina past, Vlahovic has won over the Juventus faithful. His passion, celebrations, and never-give-up attitude reflect the ethos of the club. Juventus fans value grintaāgrit, heart, and hunger. And Vlahovic embodies all three.
In Turin, heās not just respected. Heās becoming beloved.
Conclusion: The Making of a Modern Juve Legend
Dusan Vlahovic is not just another big-money signing. He is a player molded in Juventus’ imageāstrong, intelligent, ambitious. As he continues to grow, both statistically and emotionally, he is well on his way to carving out a legacy alongside the clubās greatest strikers.
In a footballing world where loyalty is rare and patience is scarcer, Juventusā belief in Vlahovic is proving to be one of the smartest decisions of the decade.