01 May 2016
Calm, composed, intensely focused and a true defensive leader, it should come as no surprise that Leonardo Bonucci’s development into one of the world game’s finest centre-halves should coincide with an historic run of five consecutive Scudetto titles for Juventus.
Arriving from Bari in July 2010, Leo’s abilities both on and off the ball have naturally made him a indispensable figure at the heart of the Bianconeri backline and the fact that he has celebrated a league title on the occasion of all but one of his six birthdays while at the club is a perfect testament to this.
If confirmation was needed, the statistics say all that remains to be said: since making his debut, no one has pulled on the black and white more times than Bonucci (195) or played more minutes (16920) while the ice cool defender has even gone on to complete more passes than any other Juve player this season (1810).
Even with a now fifth Scudetto trophy to join the Coppa Italia and three Super Cups already in his cabinet, Leo will still have just one thing on his mind this morning: three points against Carpi and an undefeated conclusion to the league season.
After all, a win today would make the perfect birthday present…
Tanti auguri, Leo!
