After leaving Newcastle United on transfer deadline day, Lloyd Kelly made his Juventus debut.
Kelly departed Newcastle after just six months to join Juventus on an initial loan contract with a buyout clause worth roughly £20 million at the end of the season. Kelly was mostly used as a substitute at Newcastle before making his Juventus debut on Friday evening.
Kelly came on as a half-time substitute for Nicolo Savona at left-back in Juventus’ 1-1 draw at Como. The Turin club secured a late 2-1 victory with another new addition, Randal Kolo Muani, scoring twice, including a last-minute penalty.
Despite Kelly’s victorious start at Juventus, his debut elicited mixed reactions.
Thiago Motta responds to Lloyd Kelly’s debut.
Juventus manager Kelly’s debut in Italy has met Thiago Motta’s expectations.
“Lloyd is very good,” Motta stated. “First and foremost, he is an excellent vocalist [during his introduction]!
“He’s a shy boy who came in the proper way. He has excellent physical abilities and can play as a central defender as well as a full-back. I viewed him with full confidence. He received some fouls, but so did everyone else who arrived.
Italian media is critical of Lloyd Kelly.
While Motta was pleased with Kelly’s debut, the Italian media were less complimentary.
Calciomercato rated Kelly 5/10, stating: “Rather modest impact and definitely inadequate execution. (No, he did not express confidence).
However, JuveFC.com gave him a 6.5/10 rating, saying he “settled quickly into the rhythm of the game.”
Juventus outlet Max Statman awarded Kelly a 3/10 rating and a damning conclusion.
They wrote: “He made no effort today, and it only took him five minutes on debut to get megged. He has the mindset of a Sunday League player strolling around while Como is in a dangerous situation.”
During the game, CBS correspondent Matteo Bonetti tweeted, “Lloyd Kelly getting terrorized by Gabi Strefezza in his Juventus debut.”
Juventus’ next Champions League play-off round match at home against PSV Eindhoven is scheduled for Tuesday night (8pm GMT).
