Chelsea have already been told why Dusan Vlahovic has what it takes to be part of a much-needed mentality shift at Stamford Bridge next season.
The Blues need a new culture under Xabi Alonso, one that is hard-working and fearless in the pursuit of success. Over recent years, it feels like this Chelsea squad has too easily succumb to the outside criticism, quickly getting caught up by the momentum of bad press and disappointed fans.
Alonso needs to build a team that is full of characters who couldn't care less about outside noise and go about their mission with equal desire regardless of whether things are going well or badly.
Vlahovic is made of the right stuff
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in recent days. The Serbian striker is going to be a free agent after allowing his Juventus contract to tick down to zero, and he is one of the hottest commodities on the market as a result.
At just 26, Vlahovic is yet to reach his prime, and he has already shown he is capable of playing at the very top level. He is not a goalscoring striker as such, but he holds the ball up excellently and brings the midfield into play, which Alonso would love to see from his striker.
Vlahovic actuallyu cost Juventus 70million euros and is now set to walk away for free, though the decision is not a surprising one. Amid some inconsistency, Juve have regularly touted him to other clubs and caused a storm in the media.
The striker has been heavily criticised by the Italian press, and by all accounts, it seems as though he has had enough. But during his five-year stay, he did not quit or even try to quit even during all the criticism, and that's something his former manager, Igor Tudor, addressed during his time at the club.
Tudor's praise for Vlahovic
Speaking in September of last year, Tudor said: “I’ll repeat what I have already said. In this month and a half of preparation he has always been focused, he has worked as an example.
“[Juventus general manager] Comolli said he is staying and I’m happy. He is a strong player and hopefully he keeps up this scoring rate, which is no small thing.
“Only two games have been played. I want to go match by match and do our best in the next one. Stay focused and train well, then we’ll see where this mindset and way of working takes us.”
Chelsea need more of that mindset and more players wiith a proven ability to stick at it when things get tough on or off the pitch.
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