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| Monday 28 April, 2008 |
| Blog: Wing commander |
| Mauro Camoranesi has proved his worth in recent weeks. Antonio Labbate praises Juventus’ unsung hero |
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Where would Juventus have been without Mauro Camoranesi in 2007-08? It’s a query worth pondering, especially when you take into account what kind of form the South American has been in this term. But the real question, given the extent of the winger’s scintillating performances, is what more could the Old Lady have achieved had he been available to them all season?
It has been a campaign of two halves for the former Verona player. Held back by niggling injuries in the early part, only in the final few months of the campionato has he been able to fully serve the Juve cause. His appearance against Lazio on Sunday was just his 20th from a possible 35 League games, a tally which has potentially cost the club some valuable points.
That statement is purely hypothetical of course, but one must take into account just what Camoranesi has added to the Bianconeri’s Champions League push. He’s ‘only’ scored five goals – two of which were against Inter – but he’s developed into an accomplished goal maker in the final straight.
It was the 31-year-old who grabbed all three assists in the 3-2 win over Milan, he then provided two more in the 3-0 over Parma and got another treble – as well as a goal – in the 5-2 destruction of Lazio at the weekend. That victory ensured a top four finish, but with Roma just five points ahead in second there will be a touch of regret amongst the most demanding fans in Turin.
Claudio Ranieri is clearly aware of Mauro’s ability and the tactician has done nothing to hide his admiration for the international. “Camoranesi is the key to everything,” said the Juve boss. “He is a player who gives me the opportunity to change the shape of the team. He’s a universal midfielder, a godsend. He’s a playmaker who adores the wing, but he’s also one who is more than willing to sacrifice himself for the team.”
That’s high praise indeed for an individual who is often belittled for not singing the Italian national anthem and a man who clearly had difficulties in accepting the fact that Juventus just wouldn’t let him leave after demotion. Some questioned the club’s faith in him at the time, but no more. Camoranesi, as he has proved, is just as important as any in that black and white shirt.
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He's simply one of the best wingers in the world! Name five who are better than him – you see, it’s not possible!
Mikkel
When Juve were relegated, only Lyon seemed to be interested in Camoranesi and he was considered a player who stayed at Juve because nobody was willing to pay big money for him. If he had left, few Juve fans would really have complained.
In the past I have always seen him as a bit of a weak link in the Juve midfield, never on a par with players like Nedved, Davids and certainly not Zidane. But this season he has proved me totally wrong. His ball control has been amazing – not quite as good as Lionel Messi, but very, very good.
His passing and crosses are consistently brilliant and he has put in countless tackles as well. He has linked up superbly well with Sissoko and he is the one player who can go past people with ease. The thing that has impressed me most about him is his team spirit and will to win. Maybe Ranieri deserves some credit for that.
I hope Camo can keep up his incredible form for Italy in Euro 2008 and for Juve in the Champions League next term. If he does, I could see him getting the Balon D'or just like Nedved. Fortunately for Juve fans, Camo has a few years left in him and he is likely to see out his career in Turin.
Chris, Japan
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