14 December 2017
With 20 first-team appearances to his name, it's been a busy first half to Blaise Matuidi's debut campaign as a Bianconero. His hard work and never-say-die attitude have immediately endeared the French midfielder to his new fans and he caught up with Juventus TV today to talk about his first season in Turin.
"I want to keep improving, giving more for this team every day, and perhaps score a goal, even if the most important thing is that Juventus wins.
"I'm settling in very well," Matuidi continued. "My team-mates and staff welcomed me in the best possible way and I think I've integrated myself into the squad in the best way too. I'm really happy to be at Juventus!"
**ADJUSTING TO LIFE IN SERIE A
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Indeed, this is Matuidi's first foray outside of Ligue 1 in his career and his understanding of a tricky league to master has come very quickly.
"Serie A is a very tactical championship, with intelligent players who have great experience and technical qualities.
"It will be special to play through the holidays as they do in England. We are looking ahead to big games and we hope to celebrate Christmas in the best way on the pitch!"
**LOOKING AHEAD
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Speaking of England, Matuidi and Juve have a plane ticket to London in March as they'll face Tottenham in the Champions League round of 16.
"Tottenham is a strong team, both from a technical and physical point of view. They play fast and box-to-box as we see in the Premier League, but Juventus has great experience in the Champions League and we'll be looking to impose our own game and do well."
**THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
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It has been a solid month for the Bianconeri who have yet to concede a goal in December. They'll take a shutout streak of five games in total to Sunday's match in Bologna.
"Our backline are doing an extraordinary job and the whole team is strong when it comes to defending as a unit. One of the most basic rules in football is to defend well and then exploit your chances down the other end."
