The Art of the Deep-Lying Playmaker: Re-evaluating Locatelli's Role at Juventus

In the ever-shifting sands of Serie A tactics, the deep-lying playmaker, or ‘regista,’ remains a cornerstone for many top sides. For Juventus, the evolution of Manuel Locatelli in this key role under new manager Thiago Motta is proving to be a fascinating, and at times, challenging experiment. Once envisioned as a dynamic mezzala capable of box-to-box contributions, Locatelli is increasingly being asked to dictate play from deeper, a role he’s performed with varying degrees of success since the start of the 2025/26 season.

From Mezzala to Metronome: Locatelli's Tactical Transition

Under Massimiliano Allegri, Locatelli often found himself operating in a more advanced position, tasked with pressing high and supporting the attack. While his passing range was evident, the defensive responsibilities and the need to break up play sometimes overshadowed his creative instincts. Motta, however, appears to be drawing inspiration from his own playing days as a deep-lying midfielder, aiming to mold Locatelli into a central pivot akin to Andrea Pirlo or even Motta himself during his playing career at PSG and Inter.

This tactical shift is not without its growing pains. Locatelli’s average passes per 90 minutes have increased from 58.7 last season to 64.2 this term, indicating a greater involvement in build-up play. His long pass accuracy, a strength, has also seen a slight uptick, now at 78% compared to 75% previously. However, his progressive passes per 90 have dipped from 7.1 to 6.3, suggesting that while he’s seeing more of the ball, the penetration into the final third isn't always as direct or effective as Motta might desire.

The Positional Demands: Why the Regista is Crucial for Juventus

Motta’s Juventus often operates with a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, formations that heavily rely on a central midfielder who can link defense to attack. Locatelli, in this deep role, is expected to orchestrate the tempo, break lines with incisive passes, and also provide a shield for the defense. His ability to read the game and intercept passes (averaging 1.8 interceptions per 90 this season, up from 1.5) has improved, but the creative burden is immense.

The challenge for Locatelli lies in consistently delivering the killer pass that unlocks defenses. While he possesses excellent vision, the pressure of being the primary creative outlet from deep can be stifling. Comparisons with more established registas like Marcelo Brozović at Inter (before his Saudi move) or even Stanislav Lobotka at Napoli highlight the detailed demands of the role. These players not only distribute but also possess an innate ability to accelerate play and find pockets of space.

Impact on Teammates: Rabiot and Fagioli's Roles

Locatelli’s deeper positioning also impacts the roles of his midfield partners. Adrien Rabiot, often playing as a left-sided mezzala, now has more license to push forward, knowing Locatelli is providing cover. Nicolò Fagioli, when fit, offers a different dynamic with his agility and dribbling, often looking for quick interchanges around Locatelli. However, without a consistent, high-level creative spark from Locatelli, Rabiot’s runs can sometimes be isolated, and Fagioli might find himself dropping deeper to seek the ball, disrupting the overall structure.

The success of Motta's project at Juventus, particularly in their quest to reclaim the Scudetto, hinges significantly on Locatelli embracing and excelling in this demanding deep-lying role. It requires not just technical prowess but also tactical intelligence and mental fortitude to withstand the constant pressure. While the transition isn't complete, the signs of growth are there, and Locatelli remains a key figure in the Bianconeri's tactical blueprint for the future.