Boniek: Yildiz a potential Juventus ‘superstar’, Dybala might create issues for Roma
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Former striker for Juventus and Roma, Zbigniew Boniek, believes that Kenan Yildiz stands out as the sole elite talent in Turin and has the makings of a potential ‘superstar’. Meanwhile, he sees Paulo Dybala as Roma’s finest player, but warns that if he is not fully fit, he might pose a ‘challenge for the coach.’ Juventus is set to face Roma at the Allianz Stadium in Turin this Saturday during the significant Serie A Round 16 matchup. The Giallorossi currently rank fourth in the Serie A standings, only three points shy of the top position, while Juventus is in fifth, trailing their next opponents by four points.
Boniek on Spalletti and Gasperini BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, glances back at the dugout as he heads out for half-time during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) “Gasperini is performing a remarkable job, almost unexpectedly so in certain aspects,” Boniek stated to Gazzetta. “I don’t believe that many anticipated such a strong beginning for Roma at the season’s outset. Gasperini is tough, straightforward, and ensures everyone exerts equal effort. “On the flip side, Spalletti has just recently taken over, but it appears that he is already instilling a clear vision for the team. He is an ambitious coach, although his Juventus side lacks standout players. Yildiz may be the lone exception; he seems poised for a promising future. He has the capacity to become a top player; just observe how he interacts with the ball, how he caresses it.” This season, Roma’s most pivotal player might well be Matias Soulé, a former Juventus talent, who has secured five goals and five assists across all competitions in 21 appearances.
Boniek on Dybala, Soulé and Pellegrini EPA09419220 Former president of the Polish Football Association, Zbigniew Boniek, engages with the media at the “Sofitel Victoria” hotel in Warsaw, Poland on August 18, 2021. Boniek was concluding his tenure as president of the Polish Soccer Association, with Cezary Kulesza being elected president of the football federation, obtaining 92 votes, while his contender Marek Kozminski received 23. During the same meeting, delegates unanimously decided that Boniek would become the honorary president of the Polish Football Association. EPA-EFE/Piotr Nowak POLAND OUT “Soulé is becoming essential, even though he should expand the variety of his plays. His left foot is significant,” Boniek commented. “On the other hand, Dybala’s talent is unquestionable, but it’s crucial to assess his physical fitness. What’s remarkable is that Roma is performing well, just three points off the top, without having relied heavily on their standout player.” Can Soulé and Dybala coexist in the Roma lineup? Boniek is certainly convinced of this. “Absolutely, they can; skilled players can always collaborate. It’s evident, though, that to see them together, attention must be given to the defensive phase; contributions must be made there as well,” he asserted. The contracts of Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are set to expire in June, yet, at this point, neither seems to be close to securing an extension at the Stadio Olimpico. “This could potentially pose a challenge for Massara. However, I perceive two distinct matters at play,” Boniek concluded. “Paulo is extremely vital, but he needs to ensure he participates in at least 80% of matches. If he is only partially fit, it leads to complications and creates challenges for the coach. I hope Pellegrini remains, rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. His talent is evident, but he too faces physical concerns. When he’s in good condition, everything is fine.”
Published: 2025-12-19 11:47:00
source: football-italia.net
