Senegalese midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, on loan from Tottenham, impressed in Juventus’ 2-1 win over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League. Tuttosport believes coach Luciano Spalletti has found a starter, but an Italian journalist is more nuanced.
Pape Matar Sarr stood out on the European stage. Lining up alongside Teun Koopmeiners in Juventus’ 2-1 win over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, the Senegalese midfielder, on loan from Tottenham, delivered a notable performance. Tuttosport gave him a rating of 6.5 and believes coach Luciano Spalletti has found a starter.
The newspaper stresses that the Senegal international dominated Byskov and showed he has rediscovered his form after fatigue and a severe bout of flu. An important performance for a player in search of playing time, while his medium-term future remains up in the air.
A performance that convinces Tuttosport
According to Tuttosport, relayed by Ligaolahraga, Sarr dominated Byskov and proved he has regained his physical condition. The Italian daily draws a strong conclusion: in its view, Spalletti has found a starter in midfield.
The rating of 6.5 rewards this return to form, after fatigue and a severe bout of flu. For a player looking to earn playing time, this match is a strong signal sent to his coach.
A complicated loan, limited stats
Having arrived at Juventus on a season-long loan, Pape Matar Sarr has not yet fully convinced in Serie A. According to Inside Futbol, he has made six appearances in the Italian league, including three starts, without any goal contributions. Limited numbers that contrast with Tuttosport’s rating.
Italian journalist Marco Conterio, of TMW, believes he is not yet at the level of a “top club”, while stressing that he can bring much more to Juventus. A more nuanced view than that of the Turin daily, which highlights the player’s performance. Juventus must still decide whether or not to exercise the purchase option at the end of the season.
A context of rebuilding
To understand the player’s recent trajectory, one must go back to Tottenham. According to Inside Futbol, he had lost his place in the pecking order after the arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, as part of the rebuild led by Roberto De Zerbi.
His performance against AZ Alkmaar, after fatigue and a severe bout of flu, shows he has rediscovered his level according to Tuttosport, which now sees him as a starting option in midfield. Juventus’ next match: Fiorentina, in Serie A on the night of 8-9 November. Sarr will then join up with Senegal, who face Sudan during the international break.