Paulo Dybala has been crowned the 2019-20 Serie A Player of the Year by Lega Serie A, edging out Juventus teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the award in his debut season at Allianz Stadium in 2018-19.
The 26-year-old Argentine playmaker’s standout performance, with 11 goals and 6 assists in 33 appearances, as detailed in the sports card above, was pivotal in Juventus securing their ninth consecutive Scudetto, finishing one point ahead of Inter Milan in a tight race involving Atalanta and Lazio.
Juventus Dominates Awards
Juventus celebrated multiple honors, with new signing Dejan Kulusevski, who shone at Parma, named Young Player of the Year, and Wojciech Szczesny recognized as the best goalkeeper.
Other awardees included Inter’s Stefan de Vrij (best defender), Atalanta’s Alejandro Gómez (best midfielder), and Lazio’s Ciro Immobile (best forward), reflecting the competitive depth of the 2019-20 Serie A season.
Resurgence Under Sarri
After struggling to adapt to a new role following Ronaldo’s arrival from Real Madrid in 2018, Dybala rediscovered his form under manager Maurizio Sarri.
His 11 assists and flair as a diminutive playmaker were instrumental in Juventus’ title success, despite the economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted global sports and saw Italian clubs face financial strain.
Rising Star’s Impact
Dybala’s MVP award underscores his resilience and versatility, having overcome a challenging 2018-19 season under Massimiliano Allegri.
Posts on X in 2020 hailed his “silky skills” and clutch performances, with fans noting his ability to deliver in high-stakes matches.
His contributions helped Juventus navigate a season marked by a three-month suspension due to Italy’s lockdown, which reported over 35,000 Covid-19 cases by August 2020.
Future Prospects
With transfer rumors linking Dybala to clubs like Manchester City, who signed Ferran Torres around the same time, his stock continues to rise.
His focus remains on Juventus, where his contract runs until 2022, but interest from Premier League sides persists.
As Serie A adapts to post-Covid realities, Dybala’s form positions him as a central figure in Italian football’s recovery.