Former teammate compares Juventus’ Alcaraz to Vidal after loan move from Southampton

Gabriel Arias Arroyo, commonly known as Arias, has compared his former teammate Carlos Alcaraz to ex-Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal and is convinced the Argentina international will become a ‘fundamental player’ in Turin.

Alcaraz joined Juventus on loan with an option to buy for €49.5m from Southampton during the January transfer window and made his Serie A debut in a 1-0 loss against Inter on Sunday.

Experienced goalkeeper Arias played with Alcaraz at Racing Club in Argentina and has no doubts that his former teammate will have a successful time at the Allianz Stadium.

“Alcaraz is a very dynamic player. It makes it undoubtedly easy to get close to the opponents’ box and cause trouble for defences,” the 36-year-old told Tuttosport.

“He is always involved in the play, therefore, he can be a protagonist close to the goal. I think his growth process will improve with training sessions under Allegri and playing time in competitive games. He will become a fundamental player for Juventus.

“He is humble; he doesn’t speak much, and he prefers facts to do the talking. However, he has a great personality which suits his playing style.”

Italian media have compared Alcaraz to former Juventus midfielder Vidal. The Chile international, who has recently joined Colo-Colo, spent four seasons in Turin between 2011 and 2015, scoring 48 goals in 171 games and winning four Serie A titles with the Old Lady.

“Surely, ‘El Rey’ Vidal has left a big impact at Juventus and he won many trophies there,” Arias confirmed.

“Arturo and Charly have similar playing styles, and it would be great if Carlos followed in his footsteps in Turin. I have no doubts, he has everything to make it.”

Juventus believe Alcaraz can have a key role at the club in the future, so they are expected to make his move permanent at the end of the season, as revealed by Football Italia transfer expert Matteo Moretto.