04 April 2016
Two simple statistics will demonstrate just how important Sami Khedira has become to Juventus since arriving from Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer.
- With Khedira on the field, the Bianconeri's win percentage stands at an impressive 82 per cent, a figure that drops all the way down to 54 without him.
- Juve are unbeaten in Serie A this season in the 17 matches in which Khedira has featured
As impressive as they are though, facts and stats can only describe so much of what he brings to the team. Always incisive in possession, intelligent in his movement and sturdy in the challenge, the speed with which Juventus fans have taken Sami to their hearts should come as no surprise.
Take the excellent effort in last month's Derby Della Mole for example.
The perfectly-timed surge forward, the drive to carry him into the box with no more than a few strides and the clinical finish at the end of it: a goal which seemed to capture all of Khedira's qualities in the space of no more than five seconds.
So, as Sami celebrates turning 29 today, it is with great pleasure that all associated with Juventus Football Club wish him the warmest of birthday wishes, hopefully the first of many in a black and white jersey.
Alles Gute Sami, our number 6!
