18 year old Frenchman, Kingsley Coman, made a sensational debut for Juventus in their 1-0 win over Chievo Verona in the first Serie A game of the season. Coman was a surprise starter ahead of Sebastian Giovinco in the line up but fully justified his selection by Coach Allegri with some deft touches, quick turns and exhibiting the confidence to take a shot at goal. Beppe Marotta has received some criticism for the transfer campaign thus far but him, and assistant Fabio Paratici, have yet again shown an eye for talent after the success of Paul Pogba. Better yet, just like Pogba, Coman also arrived on a free transfer to Turin.
Coman got involved into the game early, making runs into space and linking up well with Tevez in the middle and Lichtsteiner down the right flank. His constant movement caused problems for the Chievo defenders, which created space for other Juventus players coming forward. On three separate occasions, Coman came close to scoring a goal. For the first chance, he showed exquisite control by bringing down a looping Pogba pass over the middle, cutting right and taking the shot that was deflected just over the bar. For the second, he played a one-two with Tevez but faked a return pass to the Argentine, turned quickly onto his left and stung the goalkeeper’s hands with a powerful shot. Not only did he display his quickness and the ability to create his own shot, but Coman showed that he can hit the ball well with both feet. For the third chance, Coman created space when one on one with the defender and hit a powerful right-footed shot that just fizzled past the post.
These are encouraging signs for a Juventus team that failed to be effective up front in Europe last season. Coman exhibited a skill set that is different than the other strikers on the roster and above all, showed maturity that belied his young age. Now it is important that Juventus allow Coman to grow without putting too much pressure on him. That means rethinking their pursuit of Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, whose arrival will undoubtedly limit Coman’s time on the pitch. That also means not relegating Coman to the bench as soon as he has a bad game or two. Grooming and developing Coman now becomes a responsibility for Allegri and his staff, one that should not be taken lightly. His emergence can pay dividends this season and in the future for Juventus.
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