leader on the pitch and goals as number 10. And the automatic renewal is approaching

Dybala’s match against Inter as almost a full-back was certainly appreciable for his commitment and sacrifice, but seeing him forward free to create is something else. Yesterday against Torino Paulo returned to his natural habitat, even further ahead than usual. The absence of Dovbyk (fever for him) forced Juric to have to deploy him as a false new player. A role that he has already held at Juventus and that Daniele De Rossi would also have liked to carve out for him. But he didn’t have time. So, now Juric is enjoying it as he saves the bench at least until Sunday when he will return to Verona. Paulo’s season started with many lows and few highs. Something unusual for someone like him. First the almost departure to Arabia, then the usual physical problems. In the first matches he had scored only one goal (from a penalty kick) and had zero assists on the scoresheet. Yesterday he finally found the goal from open play in the league that he had been missing since February 26th, against the Granata. In that case a hat-trick was needed. Yesterday, a gem from a tight angle was enough. One of those goals that only a player like him can score, as a number 10. A bit like the choice to give up Al-Qadsiah’s big money this summer. He became the third best Argentine scorer in the history of Serie A.

He reached Higuain at 125 and now targets Crespo (153) and Batistuta (184). They are not close and he doesn’t know what the future may hold for him. Meanwhile, the automatic renewal until 2026 is approaching. Yesterday week he was present for at least 45 minutes and has therefore reached the halfway point. At 15 he will start and his salary will reach 9 million including bonuses. In addition to the goal (tenth against Torino), many liked the leader’s attitude of the number 21. He celebrated wildly after the goal and at the end of the match he went to hug all his teammates. Then he went with the whole team to the Curva Sud. Few cheers and many whistles, but victories can bring back enthusiasm. Paulo doesn’t hold back: «We had to send a message after Florence. In football you win and lose, but we have to give everything.” After the Franchi defeat he had put his face to the test in a confrontation with a small group of ultras in Termini. Initially he got on the bus, then decided to get off together with Paredes and Cristante.