The next Del Piero? The true heir to Mr. Togon's crown?
Perhaps the one to be Argentina's crown jewel once Messi finally hangs up his boots?
The world is talking about Paolo Dybala again who hit a milestone hat-trick for Juventus recently and showed his great talent against Fiorentina last night, albeit for the early part of the first half.
It's as if everyone keeps waiting for him to be heralded as the next big thing. Perhaps alongside the likes of Neymar and Pogba.
But will he fulfill his potential?
I first saw Dybala burst into the scene when he was playing alongside Pogba, when the Frenchman was at Juventus.
I remember seeing bit of him while he was at Palermo, but nothing extensive to form an opinion about him.
He and Pogba formed a potent and formidable partnership. Understanding each other's football, with their friendship and connections being shown on the pitch. I was hoping to see both of them grow and mature together and see where they would take Juventus.
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| What If They Stayed Together? |
I've mentioned before how a relationship between two players off the pitch can help their symbiosis on it. Citing the example of Gudjohnssen and Hasselbaink. And I saw something similar developing with Dybala and Pogba.
Alas, Mr. Mourinho had other ideas.
In truth, I thought Dybala would falter. He'd sink upon the weight of expectation with Pogba's departure, and now having to really be the face of the club and the one everyone will look to in those tight games.
Just like they did with Del Piero.
But credit to the kid, with the really cool arm tattoo (not overdone, simple but effective), he's gotten better and relished his greater role.
I've been impressed with the way Dybala has grown this past season up till now. He was again instrumental in Juventus securing another scudetto last season and was a major part in them making it to the final.
He's grown smarter, and developed his game to be more efficient, and influence the game on his own, rather than rely on his relationship with Pogba to help him.
The boy has grown, but still has more evolving to do.
Let's talk about that Champions League final, because I'll be honest in saying; I was disappointed in Dybala's performance. That's not to point the blame squarely at him because Juventus as a whole forgot to show up in that second half.
And the less said about his compatriot who plays the striker position, the better.
I had high hopes for him, based on just how good a season he was having. I saw that final as a coming-of-age moment, where he would finally announce to everyone that he must now be included in that world class conversation.
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It didn't happen, which is not the end of the world. He was going up against a team who ended up being the first team in Champions League history to defend their crown.
Poor kid faced a juggernaut and came up short.
That's why we need to fall back and let Dybala continue to develop. It's too early to start comparing him to Del Piero, or already forcing him to carry the team. He is not on that level yet, and with young players it's important you know how to handle them.
I don't know if Dybala is going to somehow develop into the next Messi, Maradona or Del Piero. That doesn't mean he's not good, because he is...very good.
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| Can he Emulate Lionel for Argentina? |
Personally, I just don't see someone who can go on to become a legendary player. There are certain things that you notice in someone of his age where you can see a very high ceiling.
Two perfect examples are Gabriel Jesus and Kyliann Mpabbe. Both of those players, I can see potential in them becoming legendary players. They may never reach that height, but from watching them, they have the ability to.
Dybala does not fall into that category, and that is not a bad thing.
All that matters is winning, and what you achieve. Dybala has the techincal gift to really define a team and maybe deliver a Champions League crown to Juventus once again or perhaps be the one to succeed where Messi has failed for Argentina. HH
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