Juventus completed the signing of 29 year old German defender Benedikt
Höwedes from Schalke for a season long loan and a reported fee of €3.5million. Höwedes is mainly a central
defender but can also when needed play at right back which should please
Juventus fans given the only other options prior to Höwedes arrival being that
of Stephan Lichtsteiner & Mattia De Sciglio
Before joining Juventus Höwedes had spent his playing career in
Germany at Schalke where he was captain for six years so should bring some much
needed leadership in defence after the departure of Bonucci. He has also played
for the German national side 44 times which included all of Germanys fixtures
during the 2014 world cup victory where he played at left back. This again
highlighting how much of an asset a player like Höwedes will be for Juventus
given that he can comfortably play anywhere in defence. When it comes to European
cup experience he has played 39 times & scored 5 goals in the UEFA
Champions League (one being against Inter Milan during Schalke 2010/2011 season
run that ended in the semi finals)
Overall I rate this as a positive signing. A player with
international experience in abundance, big game experience (can you think of a
bigger match than a world cup final?) and for me most importantly a versatile
player to cover any unfortunate injuries in defence that occur during the
season ahead.
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