Juventus legend sees ‘three players’ to build on for 2026-27, but David lacks ‘personality’
Juventus legend Fabrizio Ravanelli believes Kenan Yildiz, Gleison Bremer and Francisco Conceiçao should build the ‘strong core’ of the Bianconeri’s team in 2026-27, but is disappointed by Jonathan David: ‘I don’t think he’s a player you can rely on to win Champions League titles or Scudetti.’
Former Juventus and Italy striker Ravanelli, a 1996 Champions League winner with the Bianconeri, shared his thoughts on the Bianconeri’s attacking struggles this season.
Canada international David has scored eight goals across all competitions, resulting in the third-top goal scorer at Juventus in 2025-26 after Kenan Yildiz and Weston McKennie. Yet, Ravanelli feels the ex-Lille forward hasn’t shown enough quality in his first season in Turin.
“It was a negative season. He has scored some goals, but I don’t think he’s a player you can rely on to win Champions League titles or Scudetti,” Ravanelli told Gazzetta.
“He has paid a high price for the leap in quality. Playing at Juventus and in the French league, without too much pressure, is not the same as making a difference at Juventus. The shirt’s weight is much more difficult to bear, and you need a great personality. The difference between a champion and a good player nowadays lies in personality, character, and determination. You need to have these qualities to play at Juventus, or you’ll struggle.”
Dusan Vlahovic has missed most of the season due to fitness issues, including surgery that sidelined him for four months.
Ravanelli: Zhegrova has more personality than David and Openda
Just like David, Edon Zhegrova and Lois Openda also joined Juventus last summer, but Ravanelli would rely on just one of them going forward.
“I think Zhegrova has more personality than others,” said the ex-striker.
“Since Spalletti’s arrival, David and Openda have always given me the impression that they don’t really want to take on too much responsibility. On the other hand, Zhagrova is someone worth continuing to invest in because he has real quality. I’d love to see him in a positive Juventus side and in a winning environment. He’s the kind of player who embraces responsibility, not someone who, after failing one dribble, shies away from trying another. He has a very strong personality.
“I think there are three or four players Juventus can build on,” Ravanelli concluded.
“Yildiz, Bremer, and Conceiçao must be retained to build the strong core of the team.”
During the same interview, Ravanelli also discussed Juventus’ possible reinforcements from next season, suggesting that the Bianconeri should try to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.