Udinese are in the top half of the Serie A standings, only three points behind third place and soaring once again after enduring a difficult campaign last time out. Only this time, they’re not solely relying on the goals of their talisman Antonio Di Natale to keep them at the right end of the table.
New boss Andrea Stramaccioni has brought a fresh approach to the Friuli, who you could argue were suffering a bout of stagnation last season under long-term coach Francesco Guidolin — who is curiously still at the club in a technical supervisor role.
While Di Natale is still plundering the goals, Udinese have built their success so far this campaign on their industrious midfield. The Brazilian combination of Allan and Guilherme in the center of the park has been paramount to Udinese’s superb early season form.
The two share many characteristics in common. They’re both 23 years old, they’re both Brazilian, and they both share the same tenacity and determination.
Allan is the more well-known of the duo, having slowly forged a reputation on the peninsula due to his form from last season, having made the move to Udinese in 2013 for what now looks like a bargain €3 million from Vasco Da Gama.
While his performances last season were respectable, he looks to have stepped it up a level this term, establishing himself as one of the league’s best defensive midfielders. Cash-rich Russian giants Zenit Saint Petersburg and Spartak Moscow came in for the tough-tackling midfielder this past summer, but Udinese were able to ward them off, something they may not be able to do next summer when Europe’s elite comes calling.
Guilherme plays the role of Allan’s fledgling sidekick, having only joined the club this summer from Corinthians for a reported €4.5 million. Alongside Allan, he plays at the base of the midfield, very adept at recovering the ball from the opposition and shifting it quickly in transition, leading to effective counter attack opportunities for his team. He is also noted for his laser-like long distance shooting, a weapon we have yet to see this season. Although less experienced than his international colleague, Guilherme is showing no signs of struggling to acclimatize to Serie A, and installing himself as one of Stramaccioni’s first names on the team sheet this season.
Allan currently leads the league with an average of five tackles per game, more than any other player in Serie A. The way in which he and Guilherme interchange with each other with consummate ease is a fundamental facet of the way the team operates. When one has the license to roam forward if an opportunity presents itself, the other will take more of a covering role and ensure the team aren’t left susceptible on the counter. The trust they have built up in such a small amount of time playing together is exemplary, and is having a profound impact on the team.
Udinese are noted for their superb world-wide scouting network that ensures they are constantly signing rough diamonds, and selling them for huge profits. Alexis Sanchez, Kwadwo Asamoah, Gokhan Inler and Mehdi Benatia are some of the names that have started out at the Zebrette, and then gone on to bigger and better things. If they can maintain their excellent early season performances, Allan and Guilherme look to be following the same trajectory as these global stars.
Follow Marco Credentino on Twitter at: @bigcreds
