“He isn’t good enough.”
“He can’t create his own shot.”
“He can’t score outside of 8 feet.”
Mandza’s critics may be loud, but there is a reason he’s always starting for the best teams in the world. Mario Mandžukić was a pivotal piece of Bayern Munich’s Champions League title run in 2013, where the German giants took the European treble, before being shipped to Atletico Madrid in 2014 for one season.
Since coming to Serie A in 2015, Mandžukić was the Shaquille O’Neal of Italy putting in everything within six yards of goal. However, with the addition of a more natural striker in Gonzalo Higuain, Mandza’s role changed with manager Massimiliano Allegri placing the Croatian on the Juventus wing. Mandžukić’s goal scoring has dropped, however, his overall play has been strengthened.
Mandza was near non-existent in the past two tournaments Croatia has played in (Euro 2016, World Cup 2014) after scoring three goals in three games at Euro 2012.
Will the resurgence at wing for Juventus play an integral part for Mario in checkers? My guess is yes.
Mandzukic has been one of Juventus’ best players this season no doubt.
Mandžo’s critics said those negative things? Or was it just the troll pizda Istina repeating his crap over and over again until others began to believe it?
Vice- Soul was using it sarcastically.
Goals anyone can finish? Are you stupid?
@Idemo- Perisic has played on the right for us before. Perisic will Perisic, no matter what side he plays.
In fact, I believe in one game, Pjaca came in on LW & Perisic moved to the right.
@idemo
If Cacic was a tactician, he would find some way to have Mandza and Perisic work on that wing together. We’ve seen glimpses of it, but it’s never really been put into consistent practice.
We’ve all seen how his game flounders if you play him like a traditional striker (isolated). He gets frustrated not being able to contribute and be a part of the game. Since he can’t create like a Lewandowski or Suarez, he needs to be able to be part of the build up, instead of just always being at the end of it.
Oddly enough, Rakitic is seeing the exact opposite issue. He was a monster last season, and the new coach has started playing him on the wing. No pace, not his natural position, and his form (as well as Barca’s) has suffered dearly.
Crazy to see two drastic changes in such a short time frame. But it does play to what a lot of Croatian fans have been hollering about when they ask for a coach that is tactically strong.
@ BZ
Great point. He has predator instincts.
@ Idemo
Play him up top for as long he can go. Just sub him off at some point in the second half to bring a different speed and fresh legs.
We just need to feed him service. I like someone playing behind him to give some more support up top. He cannot be isolated and expect to create on his own.
this is an interesting situation for the NT; IMO you can’t play him left as Perisic is there, but he’s clearly out of form regarding scoring so do you play him up top? interesting decision, maybe Perisic can play right but then what if Pjaca pans out. oh well.
but look at Juve team, can you name a true number 11?? i don’t think i can. I don’t know what Juve is doing in transfer market as i don’t keep up with that but it will be interesting to see if they buy an 11 and how that will effect mario.
Nice write up Mathew!!
His ability to win balls in the air is incredible…so is his work rate and stamina…Mandzukic is the least selfish player in team sports!
My favorite Croatian player!
@Soul Champ- Regarding “goals anyone can finish”…totally agree, but let’s also mention the fact that he is THERE to finish that “easy” goal = he understands where he needs to be.
Would love to see his stats as a target to maintain possession. Buffon targets him on the RW with every goal kick, and he usually gets a solid head in it to a teammate, or flicks a dangerous head to Higuain/Dybala.
Winning soccer.
Mandžukić
Is the ultimate test for Croatia loving Hrvati.
Is the glass half full ? Is it half empty ?
Is the glass not as good as a glass from another country ?
Or is the glass filled with rakia !!!!!!!!
As all of us,I have loved the beast mode performances of MANdzukic. And we can’t help but notice the lack of speed and attack dribble moves needed to take on defenders at will.
But then I see him dominate the air and head the ball like a kangaroo battering ram.
I see him run all game all over the pitch.
I see big goals in big spots from club and country throughout his career.
I see him finish “goals anyone can finish” but MANY strikers miss ALL the time for big clubs. So maybe it is not so easy to finish these opportunities when you have defenders hanging all over you?
@ Lebo
Great point you make about his over all play increasing with this role for Juve.
He is much better on the ball and passer then we thought ?
That left footed cross to Dybala was whipped in with pace and on the money.
The right back from Monaco is probably pacey and can attack but he will have his hands full bodying up to MANdzukic over a two legged tie.
He wares on you.
Then when you least expect it he makes a run into an attacking area and creates a goal scoring play.
A unique player.
And under appreciated at times.
Hope he can continue this form for abouuut 15 more months..