Juventus has completed the signing of Argentinian midfielder Carlos Alcaraz on loan from Southampton with an option to make the move permanent for $51M. It’s the kind of news that Juve fans wanted to hear about before the Derby d’Italia showdown with Inter Milan this weekend, and according to former Nerazzurri winger Ezequiel Schelotto, the new Claudio Marchisio has arrived.
“He can play like Mezzala on the right,” Schelotto told TuttoSport. “Juventus have made a wonderful signing. “
Coach Max Allegri has struggled in his quest to find a box-to-box midfielder with top-notch defensive talent who will operate with full artistic license going forward. The 21-year-old Alcaraz, who played alongside Schelotto at Racing Club, could fit into the right side of the Bianconeri’s five-man midfield alongside Manuel Locatelli and Adrien Rabiot, an ambitious set-up aimed at nullifying Inter’s dynamic trio of Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolò. . Barella and Henrik Mkhitaryan.
In what could prove to be a masterstroke through sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, Schelotto spoke about the odds for the future.
“For me, it’s his ideal role,” Schelotto continued. “Alcaraz’s late runs are damaging and he has a wonderful shot from distance. He is strong with both feet, he has wonderful quality, but he also helps in defense.
Alcaraz joined Southampton from Racing Club in January 2023 for a fee of around $13 million and has scored four goals in the English Premier League, an effort outside the box opposite Arsenal. Showcasing his urgent skills, Alcaraz intercepted Aaron Ramsdale’s telegraphed pass, regrouped and scored from 20 yards, silencing the Emirates Stadium 27 seconds into the game.
Despite Southampton’s relegation to the league and Benfica’s interest in the summer, Alcaraz agreed an advanced five-year contract last October. With 23 appearances and 3 goals in the English second division, his move to Juventus is a giant step in his career, perhaps paving the way for UEFA Champions League (UCL) glory, a trophy that has eluded Italy’s most successful club since 1996.
“We are talking about a huge talent destined to become a top player in a couple of years. He is considered an elite player in Argentina, so much so that even Leo Messi predicted a bright future for him.”
Juventini’s dreams turned into nightmares when Messi’s Barcelona sealed a 3-1 victory in the 2014-15 UCL final. It is the third time in a row that Juventus have lost the final of Europe’s top competition.
BERLIN, GERMANY – JUNE 6: Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is challenged by Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio. . . [ ] the UEFA Champions League final between Juventus and FC Barcelona at the Olympiastadion on 6 June 2015 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo via Paul Gilham/ Getty Images)
Max Allegri was in charge back then and Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, Alvaro Morata and Claudio Marchisio were all named in the UEFA Squad of the Season. Nine years on, Alcaraz has been compared to the latter.
“If I have to name a former Juventus player, Marchisio comes to mind. Like Claudio, he [Alcaraz] plays the role of midfielder offensively and has the ability to score several goals.”
While Italian pundits Alcaraz were talking about Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and former AC Milan midfielder Fernando Redondo, Schelotto, who played alongside Alcaraz in the 2020-21 season in Argentina, expressed his opinion very clearly.
“I don’t agree. If you ask me for a comparison with an Argentine midfielder, I would compare him with [Rodrigo] De Paul,” added Schelotto, who was born in Buenos Aires but represented Italy.
Southampton are on a 20-match unbeaten streak this season and are third in the league standings. Alcaraz has started thirteen times under Russell Martin this season for an average of 48 minutes per game, and Saints fans are frustrated that the midfielder has fallen down the pecking order. After his loan to Turin, he may be on the verge of a smart exit if Giuntoli decides to shell out the extra $45 million in June.
Is Alcaraz the missing link for Juventus to win their 37th Serie A title?
“I would say so,” Schelotto replied. Charly, in Italy, can grow and exploit the game in one of the top clubs in the world. “
Alcaraz underwent a medical in London midweek ahead of his move to Serie A, as part of a deal that will see Juventus first pay Southampton a loan of between $4 million and $5 million, depending on the number of appearances he makes. His debut could be precisely against Inter at Milan’s Giuseppe Meazza stadium, in the San Siro district, against his compatriot and Serie A’s top scorer, Lautaro Martinez, a true baptism of fire.
“For me, in two years’ time, Carlos will be able to be a starter in the Argentine national team. “