Edon Zhegrova continues to divide opinion among Juventus supporters and observers alike. The Kosovan winger is both a source of brilliance and frustration for Luciano Spalletti — a player capable of unlocking defences with a flash of skill, yet still limited in crucial areas of his game.
IlBianconero report how, in the aftermath of Juventus’ win over Roma, Spalletti offered a candid assessment of Zhegrova’s performance, highlighting both his qualities and his flaws. “Zhegrova doesn’t have that quality when playing deeper, below the midfield line,” the Juventus coach explained. “But put him one-on-one, twenty metres from the byline, and he becomes deadly. Defensively, however, he can’t offer solid cover — he positions himself well, but in modern football every duel is physical, and that’s not his strength.”
The Costly Moment
Spalletti’s remarks referred to a specific episode during the match. On Roma’s goal, it was Zhegrova who lost the ball and allowed the Giallorossi to counter quickly. Although Juventus went on to secure the victory, the incident served as a reminder of Zhegrova’s defensive shortcomings — a weakness that could prove costly in tighter games or against more aggressive opponents.
A Double-Edged Talent
This is not the first time Spalletti has discussed Zhegrova’s unique profile. Since his summer arrival, the Italian manager has often praised the winger’s attacking instincts, calling him “a live wire who sees gaps others don’t.” That creative spark is what sets Zhegrova apart, making him one of Juventus’ most exciting attacking options.
Yet as Spalletti pointed out again after the Roma match, raw talent alone is not enough. “He put in two crosses that could easily have been goals,” the coach added, “because when he strikes the ball, it’s like a whip — he delivers it straight onto your head.”
In the end, Zhegrova remains both cross and delight for Spalletti: a mercurial talent who can change a game in an instant but still has plenty of growing to do to become the complete player Juventus need.
