Pjanic: Spalletti is a Gift for Alajbegovic at Juventus

Former Juventus and Bosnia midfielder Miralem Pjanic has offered insights into compatriot Kerim Alajbegovic's upcoming debut season in Turin, emphasizing that having Luciano Spalletti as head coach is a significant advantage for the promising teenager. Pjanic stated, "He’s extraordinary, he will know how to get the best out of him."

Pjanic Shares Expectations for Alajbegovic at Juventus

Alajbegovic has made a move to Juventus for a fee of €35 million, including bonuses, following a standout performance with RB Salzburg in Austria. He joins a Juventus offensive lineup that already features players like Randal Kolo Muani, Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceicao, and Jeremie Boga.

The young Bosnian talent had garnered interest from several prominent European clubs, but ultimately chose to bring his skills to Serie A with Juventus, a path Pjanic himself took in 2016.

Pjanic shared his thoughts on Alajbegovic's potential in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

When asked about Alajbegovic's decision to join Juventus at this point in his career, Pjanic explained: "Because Kerim is more mature than his 18 years suggest, and he also has a supportive family. I'm friends with his father and I shared my views on Juventus and other opportunities. Ultimately, the decision was theirs.

"Alajbegovic grew up in Germany and truly blossomed in Austria with Salzburg, but he's always had an interest in Serie A. And Juve is always Juve."

Pjanic's First Impressions of Alajbegovic

Regarding when he first saw Alajbegovic play, Pjanic commented: "I enjoy watching youth team matches, especially from Bosnia. I first noticed Kerim with the national team, and then with Salzburg."

Comparing Alajbegovic to Dybala

Juventus has invested €35 million in Alajbegovic, a sum close to the €40 million spent to acquire Paulo Dybala from Palermo in 2015. Pjanic was asked if the two players are comparable.

"We hope Kerim can emulate Paulo," he agreed. "It's a similar level of investment; what matters will be what happens on the pitch.

"Dybala scored and achieved much with Juventus. Alajbegovic is just starting and needs to remain humble, but he possesses the potential for a top-tier career. Let him enjoy himself and develop without excessive pressure."

Pjanic's Advice for Alajbegovic

When asked about any advice he gave Alajbegovic before his Juventus transfer, Pjanic responded: "Just to lace up his boots, listen to Spalletti, and have fun. As I told Kerim, Juve is a family and will provide everything you need. You must focus on your performance on the pitch and on self-improvement. There will be highs and lows, but the club and we will be there to support him through difficult times. I also faced some challenges at the beginning.

"You feel the weight of the legacy of champions who previously wore the shirt when you're at Juve. The crucial thing for now is for Kerim to get to know his teammates well and quickly learn Italian, though we are quite adept with languages."

Alajbegovic's Best Position and Synergy with Yildiz

Pjanic also shared his thoughts on where Alajbegovic might best showcase his talents, whether as a winger or a more central attacking midfielder.

"He's an offensive player who can operate effectively across the front line. Spalletti will discover how to maximize his potential. I trained under Spalletti for six months in Rome, and he is exceptional. For a talented young player like Kerim, having such a mentor is a true gift."

Regarding how Alajbegovic might fit in alongside Kenan Yildiz, Pjanic stated: "Very well, they both 'speak' football. Quality players naturally find each other. Spalletti is a great coach and will bring out the best in everyone; he's consistently done so throughout his career. I'm delighted that Alajbegovic will be coached by Luciano. Many other excellent coaches I know were also interested."

English Translation:

Former Juventus and Bosnia midfielder Miralem Pjanic has given a preview of his compatriot Kerim Alajbegovic ahead of his first season in Turin, stating that having Luciano Spalletti as head coach is a "gift" for the promising teenager. Pjanic believes Spalletti is "extraordinary" and will "know how to get the best out of him."

Alajbegovic has joined Juventus for a deal worth €35 million, including bonuses, after an impressive stint in Austria with RB Salzburg. He enters a Bianconeri attacking department that currently includes Randal Kolo Muani, Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceicao, and Jeremie Boga.

The Bosnian prodigy had attracted interest from several of Europe's top clubs but opted to bring his talents to Serie A with Juventus, following Pjanic's own move in 2016.

In an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pjanic discussed Alajbegovic's potential. He explained Alajbegovic's choice of Juventus by saying, "Kerim is more mature than his 18 years suggest, and he has a good family behind him as well. I am a friend of his father’s and I told him what I thought about Juventus and about the other opportunities. In the end, it was their choice.

"Alajbegovic grew up in Germany and took off in Austria with Salzburg, but he’s always had an eye for Serie A. And Juve is always Juve."

Pjanic first noticed Alajbegovic with the national team and then with Salzburg, stating he likes to watch youth team matches, especially from Bosnia.

Comparing Alajbegovic's €35 million transfer fee to the €40 million Juventus paid for Paulo Dybala, Pjanic expressed hope that "Kerim can imitate Paulo." He added, "It’s a similar level of investment, the important thing will be what happens on the pitch.

"Dybala scored and won a lot with Juventus. Alajbegovic is only at the beginning and has to stay humble, but he has the potential to have a top, top career. Let him have fun and grow without too much pressure."

Pjanic's advice to Alajbegovic before his transfer was simple: "Only to lace up your boots, listen to Spalletti and have fun. As I said to Kerim, Juve is a family and will make everything available to you. You have to think about what you do on the pitch and improving yourself. There will be ups and downs, but we and the club will be there to support him through the hard times. I also struggled a bit at the beginning.

"You feel the responsibility from the champions who previously wore the shirt when you’re at Juve. The important thing for now is that Kerim gets to know his teammates well and learns Italian quickly, but we’re quite good with languages."

Regarding Alajbegovic's best position, Pjanic described him as "an offensive player who knows how to mix it up across the attack. Spalletti will find a way to get the best out of him. I trained under Spalletti for six months in Rome and he’s extraordinary. For a talented young player like Kerim, it’s a gift to have a teacher like that."

On Alajbegovic's synergy with Kenan Yildiz, Pjanic said, "Very well, they both ‘speak’ football. Quality players find each other naturally. Spalletti is great and will get the best out of everyone, he’s always done that across his career. I’m happy that Alajbegovic will be coached by Luciano. There were also lots of other very good coaches that I know who were interested as well."