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The former midfielder tells us about the Bianconeri's new signing: "I've known him since his Salzburg days, he has an impressive shot and the potential to become a top player. My advice to Vlahovic? To relaunch your career, sometimes you need to sacrifice a little financially."
He has provided an endless number of assists (132), but the last one was different. Instead of a through-ball, it was a friendly chat. Miralem Pjanic – and his enlightened guidance – played a significant role in Juventus's Formula 1-style overtake to secure Kerim Alajbegovic, fending off competition from half of Europe. This included a financially powerful Chelsea (who have invested €369.5 million in the transfer market), who were also beaten yesterday in a friendly in Hong Kong by Spalletti's side. The 18-year-old Bosnian playmaker watched his teammates' victory from the sidelines and will have thanked the former Bianconeri midfielder once again. Friend, idol, and mentor. "Above all, a friend to Kerim and his family," Pjanic, formerly of Roma, Juventus, and Barcelona, emphasised. "I'm not an agent and I didn't do anything special: I simply expressed my honest opinion. Credit to the Juventus directors for convincing a lad who had many offers, even richer ones."
Pjanic, why did Alajbegovic choose Juve over the Premier League?
"Because Kerim is more mature than his 18 years and comes from a good family. I'm a friend of his father and I told him what I thought about Juventus as well as the other opportunities. Ultimately, the choice was theirs. Alajbegovic grew up in Germany and took off in Austria, at Salzburg, but he's always had a soft spot for Serie A. And Juve is always Juve!"
When did you first see Alajbegovic play?
"I enjoy watching youth national team matches, especially my Bosnia. I noticed Kerim in the national team and then at Salzburg."
You were already talking about Alajbegovic to your Italian friends last Christmas, before his breakthrough against Italy in the World Cup play-off. What struck you about a player who was relatively unknown at the time?
"The mix of carefree attitude and coolness: something always happens with Kerim. He's young and needs to grow in every aspect, without getting carried away. I have a soft spot for his shot, which is crisp and precise. If he sees the goal, he doesn't think twice. And often it's devastating: he either scores or causes havoc."
Juve's investment in Alajbegovic (€30 million plus €5 million in bonuses from Leverkusen) is reminiscent of the 2015 deal for Dybala (€40 million to Palermo), your former teammate in Turin. Is that comparison too much pressure?
"Let's hope Kerim can emulate Paulo. The type of investment is similar; then the pitch will make the difference. Dybala scored and won a lot with Juventus. Alajbegovic is just starting and needs to remain humble, but he has the potential for a top career. Let's let him enjoy himself and grow without too much pressure."
What advice did you give Alajbegovic?
"To just focus on putting on his boots, listening to Spalletti, and enjoying himself. As I told Kerim: Juve is a family and provides you with everything; you just need to focus on the pitch and improving with humility. He'll have his ups and downs, but we and the club will be there to support him through tough times. I also struggled at the beginning. At Juve, you feel the responsibility of the champions who have worn that shirt. Now, the important thing is for Kerim to get to know his teammates well and learn Italian quickly, but we're quite good with languages..."
Alajbegovic chose the number 17 shirt, like Mandzukic: a coincidence?
"Mario was a great player, but at Kerim's age, the number shouldn't be a concern: he took it because it was available."
Your number 5 is on Locatelli's back...
"But the other day Alajbegovic sent me a photo: he was running with the number 5. It was mine; I had given it to him years ago through a friend."
Is Alajbegovic more of a winger or an attacking midfielder?
"He's an attacking player who can roam across the entire front line. Spalletti will find the best way to utilise him. I was coached by Luciano for six months at Roma, and I consider that a great fortune: he's extraordinary. For a talented young player like Kerim, it's a gift to have such a mentor."
How do you see Yildiz and Alajbegovic together?
"Very well, they speak the same footballing language: quality players naturally find each other. I repeat: Spalletti is superb and will get the best out of everyone, as he always has throughout his career. I'm happy that Alajbegovic is being coached by Luciano. Other excellent coaches whom I know well were also interested."
Yildiz and Alajbegovic speak the same footballing language. And then there's Spalletti, who is superb and will get the best out of everyone, as he always has throughout his career.
Juve haven't won the league title in six years, and you were still playing in Turin then: are you confident for this season?
"I have faith in the people who work at Juve and in the ownership, which has been the same for over a hundred years. Juventus has an immense history; they've always won and will soon lift trophies again. The ownership is doing its utmost; now it's up to the players. We're at the beginning of August, and it will also depend on how the transfer market concludes."
After Kolo Muani and Alajbegovic, would Juventus benefit more from Zirkzee or Pellegrino in attack?
"Kolo knows Juve and won't have any trouble settling in. I won't interfere with the rest. Spalletti will certainly get the best out of Douglas Luiz."
And if Vlahovic, still without a club at the beginning of August after leaving Juventus, called you for advice, as Alajbegovic did?
"Kerim is 18, Dusan is 26: he's a big, strong lad, he doesn't need it. Vlahovic knows what to do with his career. Football has changed, and the transfer market started late due to the World Cup. I wish him the best, whether it's Juve, Manchester, or another big club... I don't know what he's looking for; mine is a general point, which I've also made to myself in the past: to get back to the top, sometimes it's better to give up a little, even financially."
This article was originally written in Italian by La Gazzetta dello Sport editor. The English version has been generated using AI translation tools. If you notice any translation errors or have suggestions, please contact us at iniziativegazzetta@rcs.it
