Should Juventus be judging Koopmeiners on just goals and assists? | OneFootball

Teun Koopmeiners is one of the players under pressure to perform well for Juventus this season. He joined them in the summer from Atalanta after establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe. His rise to prominence was cemented when he won the Europa League trophy with Atalanta last term, playing an instrumental role in their success. His performances made it harder for Juventus to overlook his potential, and after a prolonged negotiation, they splashed the cash to secure his signature.

However, Juventus have not yet seen the best of Koopmeiners, and it seems that coach Thiago Motta is still struggling to find the right role to get the most out of the Dutchman. Despite his early promise, Koopmeiners has yet to reach the heights expected of him at Juventus. Still, the midfielder is determined to make a better impression on the team, and in the upcoming matches, he has the opportunity to prove himself and end the season on a high note.

Despite his obvious talent, the focus on Koopmeiners’ performances from Juventus fans, neutrals, and pundits has often been centred on his goal and assist statistics. There is a tendency to praise him when he contributes directly to a goal, but when he fails to do so, his performances are sometimes viewed in a negative light. This highlights the pressure that players are often under, as goals and assists are the most measurable metrics of a player’s contribution.

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Koopmeiners, however, is now primarily playing in a deeper role, sitting in front of the defence, where his responsibilities go far beyond just scoring and assisting. It is important for fans and pundits to recalibrate their expectations of him. As a defensive midfielder, his value lies in his ability to dictate play, recover possession, and break up opposition attacks. These are not always visible in goal statistics, yet they are crucial to the team’s overall success.

In the coming weeks, if Juventus can adapt to Koopmeiners’ strengths and utilise him more effectively in his new role, there is a strong possibility that his contributions will have a significant impact on the team’s performance. It is essential to recognise the full range of his abilities and the value he brings to Juventus, which may not always be reflected in the most obvious statistics.