Despite a long injury lay-off, Dusan Vlahovic still boasts a better goalscoring average than both Jonathan David and Lois Openda, underlining just how decisive he remains for Juventus.
The countdown is on in Turin for the Serbian’s return. As confirmed by Giorgio Chiellini, Vlahovic is expected to resume full training with the squad next week, after the big clash away to Roma, and then play a key role in the final stretch of the season. It is a comeback Juventus have been eagerly awaiting. The striker has been sorely missed since suffering a high‑grade lesion to the muscle–tendon junction of the long adductor, an injury that arrived just as he was beginning to find rhythm under Luciano Spalletti, who appeared fully intent on making him his first‑choice centre forward.
Vlahovic Ahead of David and Openda
The importance of Vlahovic is not just a matter of perception; the numbers tell the story as well. Even with his enforced absence, the 2000‑born forward has outperformed both David and Openda in terms of goalscoring efficiency.
While David and Openda have enjoyed far more continuity in terms of appearances this season, neither has been able to match Vlahovic’s output when it comes to turning minutes into goals. For a Juventus side that has often struggled in the final third, this statistic is particularly striking.
Vlahovic’s Scoring Average
The figures show that Juventus’s number 9 has the best ratio of appearances to goals among the three strikers. Vlahovic has scored 6 goals in 17 games, averaging a goal every 146 minutes on the pitch.
Given his reduced playing time compared to his teammates in attack, maintaining such an average is a remarkable feat and further evidence of his value when fit and available.
David and Openda’s Numbers
Jonathan David’s contribution stands at 7 goals in 36 matches, which equates to one goal every 266 minutes. While the Canadian has been a regular presence, his efficiency in front of goal has not matched that of Vlahovic.
Lois Openda’s record is even less impressive. The Belgian has found the net just twice across 32 appearances, an average of one goal every 564 minutes. His recent omissions from key fixtures – such as being left out of the starting XI in the first leg of the Champions League playoff tie against Galatasaray – suggest that Spalletti may no longer see him as a central part of his attacking plans.
Against this backdrop, Vlahovic’s impending return feels even more significant. Not only does he offer Juventus a proven goalscorer, but the statistics make it clear that, when it comes to turning chances into goals, he is still ahead of his fellow forwards in black and white.
