Due colossi a confronto: il cileno e lo sloveno pronti a guidare le rispettive retroguardie in Torino-Udinese
Tonight’s duel between Torino and Udinese, the 33rd Serie A matchup, pits two of the league’s most reliable and rock-solid central defenders against each other: Guillermo Maripan on one side, Jaka Bijol on the other. Two different styles, same substance, lots of solidity: the two pillars in comparison.
Maripan versus Bijol will be a long-distance confrontation, as the two will be called upon to defuse Adams on one side and Atta on the other. Whoever can handle the opposing attackers better could decisively direct the outcome of the match. Both teams are at the same point in the standings, and details can make the difference. Among them, even a silent duel between centerbacks may prove decisive.
Maripan, il muro difensivo cileno
Maripan, who arrived in the summer from Monaco, took very little time to establish himself as a starter in Vanoli’s rearguard: decisive was the switch from a three to a four-man defense. The Chilean center back is the classic old-school goalscorer, imposing physique, strong in the aerial game, always alert in coverage and also valuable on offensive set pieces. With him on the field, Toro has raised its defensive center of gravity significantly, gaining confidence in the most delicate moments of matches. Tonight he will not be alone: for the first time on the field he could be paired with Masina, given Coco’s disqualification.
Bijol, il punto di riferimento bianconero
Udinese relies on the experience and personality of Jaka Bijol. The Slovenian has already shown that he can handle pressure even in the hottest moments. The Slovenian defender is less physically explosive but cleaner in setting: he is the Friulans’ first back director and absolute point of reference (in the absence, probably, of Thauvin).
Guillermo Maripan
