## Danilo's Attacking Impact on Juventus: More Than Just a Full-Back

When Juventus signed Danilo from Manchester City, they secured far more than just another solid defending full-back. His arrival injected vital dynamism and genuine goal-threatening quality into their flanks, fundamentally changing how the team could approach attacking thirds. This wasn't merely width; it was width *and* penetration. **His direct contribution in the final third became a key weapon.**

### Overlap & Crosses: A Lethal Weapon

Danilo’s primary strength lies in his relentless, intelligent overlapping runs down the right channel. Timing these surges perfectly with forward movements, he bursts beyond midfielders and centre-halves alike. Getting to the byline frequency allows him to whip in dangerous low crosses or float high balls towards the penalty spot. This creates chaos for opposing defenders and delivers a constant stream of chances – headers for strikers like Vlahović or flick-ons for arriving teammates. He consistently ranks among the league leaders for successful crosses per game from open play.

### Cutting Inside & Goalscoring Prowess

He isn’t limited to crossing. Danilo often cuts inside onto his stronger left foot around the edge of the box. This unpredictable shift forces defenders backwards, opening space *and* creating shooting lanes for himself. Crucially, he has the technique and composure to finish clinically from these positions, whether side-footing into the far corner or placing precise efforts across goal. His braces against Roma vividly showcased this dual threat – scoring one from a driven cross and another after cutting inside.

### Unbalancing Defenses & Creativity

Beyond personal stats, Danilo’s mere presence forces opposition managers into difficult tactical choices. Do they track his runs? Follow him tight? Double up? All expose weaknesses elsewhere. By dragging markers out wide or attracting attention through feinted shots, he creates precious gaps in the opponent’s structure for teammates like Chiesa or Rabiot to exploit centrally. He adds an extra creative line that wasn't always present before.

### Impact Beyond Goals & Assists

While direct goals and assists grab headlines (and Danilo delivers both), his wider influence is profound. He significantly boosts possession stats by holding up play at the edge of the D, allowing teammates to arrive late into attacks. His sheer speed initiates counter-attacks single-handedly. Most importantly, he offers a Plan B when Juve struggle to break down deep blocks – his pace and directness become the hammer blow.

In essence, Danilo transformed the right wing into Juventus’s most potent attacking corridor. He combines traditional defensive duties with elite, proactive contribution at set pieces, open play crosses, cutbacks, and goals. For a club historically reliant on central attackers, harnessing Danilo’s multifaceted attacking talent has added a critical, dynamic dimension to their frontline. He remains far more than just a full-back; he's an integral part of their attacking engine.

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