Dusan Vlahović has a knack for rewriting the narrative just when you least expect it. When Juventus seemed ready to move on without regret, the Serbian striker burst back to life, reigniting debate and reshaping opinions around him. Loved and criticised in equal measure, Vlahović continues to divide fans — yet on the pitch, facts are now firmly in his favour.
IlBianconero report how, despite Juventus enduring a turbulent season, the 25-year-old has been one of the few to maintain consistency and focus. The win against Cremonese marked his fourth consecutive start — under three different managers — a statistic that speaks volumes. Vlahović has created a rift within the team dynamic, but this time, it is not about divided opinion. It’s about status and significance.
Spalletti’s Praise
Luciano Spalletti was quick to highlight his striker’s contribution after Cremonese–Juventus. “Vlahović did a brilliant job, won so many duels against a tough opponent like Baschirotto — he deserves great credit,” the coach said in his post-match comments. The words carried weight not only because Vlahović didn’t score, but because of how he played: sharp in build-up, precise in link-up play, and selfless when creating space or opportunities for Loïs Openda.
His performance showed maturity and leadership — attributes that appear to be earning him renewed trust from the new manager.
Battle Up Front: Advantage Vlahović
Under Igor Tudor, there had been regular rotation between Vlahović and Jonathan David. The two alternated starts through the early part of the campaign, each given chances to impress. But things have shifted since Spalletti’s arrival.
Vlahović now leads the minutes tally — 607 to David’s 577 — with his latest run of starts suggesting the duel is all but decided. The Serbian was back in the XI for a fourth straight game, while David hasn’t started since the heavy defeat at Como. The gap in confidence and selection priority is growing wider, especially after strong performances against Udinese and Cremonese.
A Complicated Future
Ironically, the better Vlahović performs, the more complicated his future seems to become. His contract runs until June, and just a few months ago, everything pointed towards an exit. A summer transfer had been expected, only postponed because market conditions didn’t align for either club or player.
Now, Juventus face a dilemma. Vlahović is proving his worth, not only through goals but through presence and maturity — a leader both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Yet the financial context looms large. His salary remains above the club’s new wage structure, putting long-term renewal under scrutiny.
What once looked like an inevitable separation now feels less clear-cut. As Vlahović continues to perform, he forces Juventus to reconsider a crucial question: is it really the moment to let this version of Dusan Vlahović go?
