Igor Tudor has leapt to the defence of Lloyd Kelly after the Juventus player was criticized by the media before his recent two-goal haul. Kelly has found himself an unlikely hero over the last seven days. The Englishman netted for the first time ever in a top-flight fixture during the 4-3 Derby d’Italia win over […]
Igor Tudor has leapt to the defence of Lloyd Kelly after the Juventus player was criticized by the media before his recent two-goal haul.
Kelly has found himself an unlikely hero over the last seven days. The Englishman netted for the first time ever in a top-flight fixture during the 4-3 Derby d’Italia win over Inter.
On September 16, Kelly’s last gasp header helped the Old Lady claim a priceless point in the thrilling Champions League 4-4 epic against Dortmund.
Igor Tudor Defends Lloyd Kelly
After Juventus head coach Igor Tudor praised his side’s comeback against Dortmund, the Croatian boss has gone on to defend Lloyd Kelly.
Tudor explained he feels sections of the media and the club’s fan base have treated the center-back unfairly. Most of the negativity stemmed from Kelly’s performances in the second-half of last season.
“There’s been a lot of unfair judgment from the outside, a lack of objectivity. Since I arrived, he has always done well,” Tudor explained at a press conference on Friday.
“People only said he was playing well after he scored two goals. But he was already putting in great defensive performances despite the small mistakes that everyone makes.
“Labels aren’t needed. He’s a humble guy, eager to improve. I’m pleased with him; he has to keep going like this.”
Will Lloyd Kelly Start Against Verona?
FootItalia’s Verona vs Juventus preview includes Lloyd Kelly in the starting XI. And after the week he has had, it would be hard to leave him out.
Even though Juve shipped seven goals against Inter and Dortmund, Kelly has shown his worth at the other end of the pitch with two vital goals.
Kelly opened the scoring in the Derby d’Italia clash on MD3 before his powerful header clinched an unlikely point against the Bundesliga giants on Tuesday.
Overall this season, Kelly has played every minute across the four fixtures the Old Lady has entertained across all competitions. Therefore, it would be a huge surprise if he didn’t feature from the off this weekend.
