Ex-Juventus midfielder gives verdict on Newcastle loanee Kelly after media criticism | OneFootball

Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi insists Lloyd Kelly ‘has been doing quite well’ despite criticism from Italian media.

Versatile English defender Kelly joined Juventus from Newcastle on loan with an obligation to buy in the winter transfer window.

The Newcastle loanee had received criticism after his first outings in a Bianconeri shirt, but his displays have been more solid in recent matches as Juventus didn’t concede in the last two Serie A matches the 26-year-old started.

The Bianconeri’s defence is less beaten in Serie A. They also have the best-performing defence in Europe’s top five leagues, alongside Inter, with just five goals conceded in eight Girone di ritorno games.

Ex-Juventus midfielder gives verdict on Newcastle loanee Kelly after media criticism

EPA PHOTO EFE/MIGUEL RIOPA/MK-hh

“A full-strength Juve is a strong team. When I think of defence with Kalulu, Gatti, Veiga, and Cambiaso, I feel optimistic about the rest of the season,” Tacchinardi told Tuttosport.

“It’s a solid unit. At this point, Weah can push higher up the pitch again, considering his strong early-season numbers. And if someone needs a breather, there’s Kelly, who I actually think has been doing quite well.”

However, during the same interview, Tacchinardi argued that Juventus are still not solid enough, and they’ll have to be fully aware of the game’s importance when they host third-placed Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Tacchinardi played for Juventus from 1994 to 2005, scoring 15 goals in 404 appearances and winning several trophies, including one Champions League in 1996.