It has been a tough start to life away from Newcastle United for Lloyd Kelly who continues to struggle at Juventus.
There was an element of surprise in the January transfer window when it was revealed that Italian giants Juventus wanted to sign Lloyd Kelly. The defender had barely played for Newcastle United since joining on a free transfer in the summer but has since gone on to play Champions League football.
Newcastle have been left to pick up the pieces from Kelly’s Juventus move. Toon boss Eddie Howe is now without a useful squad player who was usually brought on to see games out.
Reports suggested that Kelly took a pay cut to join Juventus after growing unhappy with his game time at Newcastle, the 26-year-old was desperate for more minutes after playing just twice since the end of November.
- READ MORE – What the Italian media are saying about former Newcastle star Lloyd Kelly after brutal Champions League exit
Juventus fans blasted Kelly after his debut. It has been a recurring theme for him in his five appearances so far with Italian media also criticising him for his performances since joining.
With Kelly still trying to get up to speed with Italian football, the media have rated his most recent performance.
Lloyd Kelly suffers cup exit at Juventus
Things went from bad to worse for Kelly on Wednesday night after Juventus were stunned in the Coppa Italia, losing against Empoli in the quarter-finals.
Kelly started the game but was taken off after 54 minutes for Manuel Locatelli with Juventus a goal down. The Serie A side managed to find an equaliser in the second half but were thwarted on penalties.
Post-match, Italian media posted their player ratings online. Although not as bad as it usually was, the media still had negative things to say about Kelly.
Ilbianconero gave Kelly a 5.5/10 and said: “Only one serious mistake, which his teammates corrected shortly after. He continues his apprenticeship and doesn’t seem to be in the grip of the fumes of awareness. On the contrary: there is a lot to learn, although the path seems at least the right one.”
Elsewhere, 11contro11 also gave Kelly a rating of 5.5/10 and said: “He wins all the speed duels with (Christian) Konate, while he struggles a bit more when it comes to duelling in person or anticipating (Lorenzo) Colombo. On the occasion of Empoli’s goal, he prefers not to come out on the shooter, preferring to oppose his position. He is too far away, however, to really close the goal.”
Juventus are obliged to buy Kelly at the end of the season. The defender may not be enjoying the greatest of performances this campaign but he still has time to impress Thiago Motta.
Newcastle target misses crucial penalty against Juventus
Juventus could repay the favour to Newcastle in the summer if the stars align – the Magpies have their eye on someone who would immediately bolster their attacking lineup.
Newcastle want Dusan Vlahovic but must battle with Tottenham Hotspur to sign him. Recent reports suggest that Vlahovic could cost Newcastle just £21m in the summer as his exit looks more likely. The Serbian international has scored 14 goals in 32 games across all competitions this season, including nine Serie A goals.
In a horrific moment for the 25-year-old, Vlahovic missed his penalty in the game against Empoli, immediately putting Juventus on the back foot for the remainder of the shootout.
The miss could push him closer towards an exit, however. Despite his goalscoring form this season the Italian side does not look to have a lot of confidence in him. Juventus decided to sign Randal Kolo Muani in January, the striker has been in and out of the squad since joining, with Motta still favouring Vlahovic for the time being.
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