Juventus boss Tudor: ‘Yildiz is a golden boy’

Igor Tudor has praised his Juventus side as they ‘stayed alert’ to see off Moroccan side Wydad, winning 4-1 thanks to goals from Kenan Yildiz and Dusan Vlahovic.

The Bianconeri all-but booked their place in the knockout stages of the Club World Cup, with one more group stage match to be played against Premier League giants Manchester City next week.

Juventus went two goals up within the first sixteen minutes against Wydad after an own goal and a sublime finish from Yildiz. However, the Moroccan outfit clawed a goal back and left the Bianconeri looking nervous heading into the second half. Despite this, the Old Lady rose to see off the Africans’ challenge and Tudor will be delighted with his team’s convincing victories in the competition so far.

Tudor: A different kind of match for Juventus

Speaking about this evening’s match to DAZN, via CalcioMercato, Tudor said that “It was a different kind of match, also because of the kick-off time and the tempo was lower. They had prepared for us as well. We scored early, and that helped us; in football, you never know, you always have to stay alert.

“I’m never calm, not even at 3-1 or 4-1 – I always see danger. Credit to the boys, two good wins. Tonight they’ll have an evening off and a dinner out – they’ve earned it. Now we prepare for City. A great challenge.”

When asked about Turkish winger Kenan Yildiz, who won the player of the match award, Tudor said “Only he can decide how far he can go. Players like him are rare – playing up front and making a difference while running like a typical midfielder is a rare quality. He’s got a strong mentality. We’ve all seen what he’s capable of. He’s a golden boy.”

Tudor praises substitutes Vlahovic and Locatelli

Dusan Vlahovic scored Juventus’ final goal, converting from the penalty spot after being brought down by Wydad defender Guilherme. Returning captain Manuel Locatelli, who like Vlahovic came on as a second half substitute, allowed Vlahovic to take the penalty and the Serbian duly finished.

On Vlahovic, Tudor said “Today he came on with the right attitude, played for the team, and then there was that beautiful gesture from Manuel Locatelli, who let him take the penalty—a captain’s gesture.”