Juventus have never stopped believing in Edon Zhegrova. Despite the clear risks linked to his long injury lay-off, the club decided to invest in him last summer, convinced they were securing a bargain. The €15 million fee requested by Lille was considered an attractive opportunity for a winger who had already showcased real quality in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
From Lille Breakthrough to Injury Setback
IlBianconero detail how, before his physical problems, Zhegrova had been one of Lille’s standout performers. With 21 appearances, 8 goals and 2 assists, he had firmly established himself as a key attacking threat and a player on the rise. Then came the pubalgia, a long and complicated issue that stalled his momentum and altered the plans of both the French club and the player himself.
Juventus, however, chose patience. His first months in Turin featured some promising cameos and encouraging flashes of talent, before further physical setbacks again limited his time on the pitch and disrupted any hope of rhythm.
Spalletti’s Attempt to Relaunch Him
The arrival of Luciano Spalletti could prove decisive. Brought in to relaunch Juventus and restore the club as a consistent presence in the Champions League places, Spalletti has also been tasked with reviving the fortunes of players who have slipped to the fringes of the squad.
It has already happened with the likes of McKennie, Locatelli and others who have found new life under the new coach. Now, the focus has shifted squarely onto Zhegrova, seen as a talent still capable of making a difference in the final third.
Worrying Numbers This Season
The raw data underline just how difficult this season has been for the Kosovo international. With only 445 minutes played so far, he is the second least-used outfield player in the squad, excluding January arrivals. He is yet to register a goal or an assist, a stark contrast to his previous campaigns.
For a player accustomed to more prominent roles, these numbers are unusual. At the same stage last season with Lille, he had already passed the 1,500-minute mark, highlighting the scale of the drop-off in both usage and impact.
Fitness and Tactical Adaptation
Zhegrova’s struggles can be traced back to two main factors: his physical condition and his tactical adaptation. The lingering effects of pubalgia mean he is still not at peak fitness, with inevitable repercussions on explosiveness and continuity. At the same time, he is still adjusting to Spalletti’s demands, particularly without the ball.
Spalletti’s football requires intense work in the defensive phase. Wide players must track back, press aggressively and contribute to the team’s collective shape, as already seen with someone like Yildiz. This is precisely the area where the coach is focusing with Zhegrova on a daily basis at Continassa.
An Impact Sub for Now
For the moment, Zhegrova remains a weapon to be used mainly off the bench. In this role, he has already offered some positive signs: a bright cameo against Roma, where his free-kick led to Gatti’s goal, and a decent impact in Europe, albeit with a few mistakes mixed in.
These flashes suggest there is still significant room for growth. The challenge now is to transform those moments into consistent performances over longer stretches of games.
Target: A Key Role in the Run-In
Spalletti’s objective is to recover Zhegrova on three fronts: physically, mentally and tactically. The winger needs to make a step up in several areas: greater stamina over 90 minutes, more discipline in the defensive phase and more cutting edge in the final third.
Only by ticking all three boxes can he shed the label of peripheral figure and become a genuine asset in Juventus’ push for Champions League qualification.
Possible Chance Against Sassuolo
After returning to work at Continassa, Zhegrova could be handed a fresh opportunity as early as the upcoming match against Sassuolo. It would be a crucial chance to break his duck and finally get back on the scoresheet.
There is also a personal motivation that could provide an extra push: he has recently become a father. And there may be no better moment to start writing a new chapter in his Juventus story.
