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Edon Zhegrova was expected to leave Juventus in the summer despite showing some glimpses of fine form during pre-season, and Juve was keen for him to go. With that in mind, he was not registered to play for them in the Europa League, and Tuttojuve says it is a decision the club now regrets.
Since the start of the season, he has been improving and has been delivering some fine performances for the Bianconeri, which could have helped them win some matches in Europe. Juve sees him as a key player, and the Old Lady is looking to ensure that the team does well in Europe, but they cannot use Zhegrova until the next round of the competition.
A Decision the Club Now Regrets
That is a decision they will live with, but he has the chance to do well for them in domestic competition, and he might now start more matches after Francisco Conceicao suffered an injury. Juve hopes the Kosovo star will take that chance and make the most of it, but so far, he has only been useful when he is subbed on during the second half of matches.
During that phase, opposing defenders are tired, and he can devastate them with his trickery from the right wing. His impact from the bench has been noticeable, and the club will hope he can replicate that from the start. The injury to Conceicao has opened a door.
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Zhegrova’s Chance to Impress
Zhegrova’s development has been encouraging, and his performances have forced a rethink at the club. The decision to leave him out of the Europa League squad now looks like a mistake, but the focus must shift to what he can offer domestically.
The chance to start more regularly is a significant opportunity, and Zhegrova must seize it. His ability to change games in the latter stages is well known, but proving himself from the start is the next challenge.
Juventus’s ambitions in Europe remain high, and the regret over his omission is understandable. The club’s focus now is on getting the best out of him in Serie A. His trickery and pace could be decisive.