Dybala expresses his delight at being able to play alongside Ronaldo

Advertisement

Paulo Dybala has expressed his delight at being able to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus and being given ‘freedom’ by Max Allegri.

Dybala has the unique distinction of having Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as teammates for club and country, while the Juve forward has featured heavily as an inverted right winger this season.

“I’ve had the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi [with Argentina] and now I’m playing with Cristiano Ronaldo; there aren’t many of us who’ve had that opportunity. It’s a positive thing because you can always learn from the best,” he told UEFA’s official website.

“[Cristiano Ronaldo is] a laid-back and normal guy, like the rest of us. Despite all he’s achieved throughout his career, he’s always been very gracious in the dressing room. That helps to make you feel comfortable when you’re in the presence of such a player.

“I compare him to Leo Messi, because everyone else does, and I think that they’re two exceptional players; as I said, you learn a great deal from players and people like them, both on and off the field.”

Advertisement

“I have learnt a great deal from [Allegri], particularly in terms of the way we work, how to be a model professional and being fully focused during training so that you know what to expect during games. The coach has helped me an awful lot.

“Right from the first day that I arrived here, although I’ve played in a number of positions, he’s always given me the freedom to go out, perform and play where I wanted to.

“I think that trust is very important and it’s a really good feeling when a player feels they’re part of what such a big club is trying to achieve.”

Advertisement