Footem.in – Teun Koopmeiners is heading into the 2025/26 season with significant expectations at Juventus. The Dutch midfielder’s move from Atalanta came with a hefty price tag, a reflection of his consistent performances in Serie A, including matches against Juventus themselves.
Both club and player anticipated an immediate impact, particularly given his experience in Italian football. However, his first season in Turin proved to be a disappointment.
Koopmeiners had been eager to join Juventus and wear their iconic black and white jersey. Unfortunately, his adaptation process was challenging, leading Juventus to consider his debut season as one to be put behind them.
This situation echoes that of Douglas Luiz, the former Aston Villa midfielder who also struggled to adapt before eventually returning to the English Premier League with Nottingham Forest.
Signs of a Turnaround
Despite a lackluster start last season, there are emerging positive signs. Italian media outlets report that Koopmeiners has shown marked improvement throughout the pre-season period. In a recent match against Parma, he demonstrated solid play after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
The physical endurance, tactical awareness, and composure that had seemingly vanished are beginning to reappear – qualities that previously earned him praise during his time at Atalanta.
Juventus believes that Koopmeiners has now overcome his initial adaptation phase. The club is confident that he now possesses a sufficient foundation to perform more consistently in Serie A.
With his ability to dictate tempo, win back possession, and contribute to the attack, Koopmeiners is viewed as a potentially crucial asset if he can maintain a stable level of performance.
Injury Recoveries Boost Squad Depth
Alongside the anticipation surrounding Koopmeiners’ consistency, Juventus has also received encouraging news from the treatment room. Coach Igor Tudor will soon have three players returning from injury.
Mattia Perin, the 32-year-old goalkeeper, has resumed training following hand surgery that sidelined him for several months. While there were previous links with a potential departure, he is now expected to resume his role as Michele Di Gregorio’s backup.
Nicola Savona, a versatile young defender, has also recovered from an injury sustained during a match against Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Tudor had previously utilized him not only as a right-back but also as a sweeper in the defensive line. This flexibility makes him an appealing option for squad rotation.
Meanwhile, Juan Cabal has finally been able to participate in team training sessions again after a 10-month absence due to a severe ACL injury sustained while representing the Colombian national team. The 24-year-old could provide an alternative at left center-back or left-wing back.
He is now available to potentially replace Andrea Cambiaso, who is serving a two-match suspension. However, Cabal is not yet expected to be fit enough to immediately start matches.
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