So, international break, yadda yadda, boring boring, and sadly, no Juve, unless your content to look at pictures of Carlos Tevez traing. We here at JuveFC.com decided to take the time to look at a few issues, both good and bad so far this season and weigh in on them, individually. Below is essentially a full blown discussion from Rav, Hernan, John, Joseph, and myself on a number of different topics. This is what happens when we’re not constrained to 140 characters, although, despite our best efforts, Pirlo is STILL not impressed. Enjoy.

We’ve been through a few matches so far, what’s your initial reaction concerning the new players brought in this summer or the ones we didn’t bring in?

Rav: Overall, I’m thoroughly impressed. We’ve managed to add depth to an already strong squad with players that seem to espouse the values the club holds dear. We needed reinforcements in midfield and especially up front to give us a little variation in attack. We were all too reliant on Carlos Tevez last season and with Llorente taking time to start scoring goals, it’s been so crucial to have another option. Alvaro Morata seems to combine the movement of Tevez with the instincts of Llorente. With his first goal under his belt, I really hope to see him get a starting spot in the XI as the season progresses. Pereyra has impressed me and many others with his dynamism in midfield. He has that combative play that makes Vidal so great and he’s seems to have a good understanding with his teammates already. Patrice Evra put his experience to good use against Atlético. He’s struggled in those early league games with his passing looking very suspect on occasions but I think he was one of the better players on the pitch the other night against Atlético for Juve.

Joseph: Two words: Kingsley Coman. This kid exemplifies what the new signings have brought to the club. An injection of youth and pace, Coman, Pereyra and Morata have been very effective in their limited time. To me, that’s what we needed most, guys to step up off the bench and play like spark plugs. I am very pleased with the youngsters and I know now that Morata is healthy, he will add more depth and pace. The framework for a successful Juve has been there for quite some time, all that was needed was more depth and that is what Marotta brought in this summer. Would it have been nice to add Shaqiri or Jovetic? Yes, it most certainly would have. But we got a lot of good deals in the summer window, and I am very pleased.

John: After the first seven matches, my initial reaction to the mercato was something positive, as we were able to offload a great deal of deadweight and replace them with quality and young signings. I’m especially impressed with Coman, Morata and Pereyra, who have shown that they do not lack confidence, despite their young age. I’m not particularly concerned with who we failed to sign, although Iturbe is definitely shaping up to be quite the player after what we saw in our 3-2 win over Roma.

Hernan: The mercato was a bit underwhelming in my opinion; it looks good so far though it’s a bit too early to judge players with less than ten games having been played so far and no top rivals faced yet. The clashes against Roma and Atlético this week will definitely tell us a bit more. Pereyra was a huge revelation, having some great performances so far particularly against Milan. Morata was injured and hasn’t played regularly so it’s hard to judge him, although he already managed to score a goal despite the lack of playing time. Coman looked very promising in his debut against Chievo but he barely played any official football since then and Evra has looked solid without being particularly impressive.

There has been some mention of Marchisio retaining the regista role even after Pirlo returns. Is it still #NoPirloNoParty, or has Il Principino usurped his role as conductor?

John: Pirlo and Marchisio are two very different players. Pirlo can take charge of a game with his ability to change the pace and momentum of play, and he also possesses the ability to make the difference with a set piece. On the other hand, Marchisio is better defensively and can help break down defenses with his darting runs and quick one-twos. Having both is no hindrance.

Anthony: In my opinion, Marchisio has more than stepped in as a vice Pirlo, and could continue to in many of the lesser roles. However, as we saw against Atlético, the side was missing someone of Pirlo’s class. There is a reason that Conte called the 34 year old back into the national side, and it is for that same reason that Juve should continue to use him as needed. Additionally, the point of having 4 great central midfielders is rotation, and if we’re going to rotate, we may as well rotate so that Pirlo features in the biggest of matches.

Hernan: Marchisio is a fantastic player, but if Pirlo, Vidal and Pogba are fit they should start as they are among the best midfielders in the world. He will be a quality sub and necessary when the amount of matches played takes its toll on the squad in the second half of the season (same goes for Pereyra).

Allegri has continually commented on having Tevéz drop into a deeper supporting role. On paper, it seems as its working with the record we’ve compiled. Do you think it will continue to work going forward or do you foresee future issues?

Hernan: I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t work anymore at some point. Tevéz already played in that position with Boca Juniors and Manchester United and excelled at it.

Joseph: I’ve always seen Tevéz as a skilled passer, so to me any role where he can get the ball at his feet in or around the box is a good idea. He’s not shy about pulling the trigger, but he’s also very adept at lobbing a ball up to Llorente or Pogba, while also being able to weave a ball through the legs of defenders to a cutting Vidal or Marchisio. I believe Tevéz will succeed in his deeper role, but the threat he and Llorente posed while lined up together yielded many great performances, and a part of me doesn’t want to fix what isn’t broken.

Do you think the improved play by the backline has been down to increased possession in the midfield, more impressive play from the back three, or both?

Rav: I think it’s a combination of both. Marchisio playing in Pirlo’s role has given the back line a lot more cover in that he gets back often to support the defence. The defence itself has been absolutely solid. Bonucci seems to have consciously decided to stop venturing out, limiting his passes. Caceres and Ogbonna have both really impressed with their reading of the game along with making well timed runs in support.

John: Surely it is a mix of both, the form of Caceres and Bonucci especially has been immense and Allegri has stressed throughout the season that he is very focused on his team’s possession. Even against Atletico, the defense was very solid despite the late goal from Turan. My only grievance is our weakness against true wingers, which is a problem that was slightly softened last year against Real Madrid when Conte played 4 in the back to better contain Bale and Ronaldo, something I’d like to see again when we face a 3 man attack.

Has Caceres done enough to keep his starting spot once Barzagli returns to fitness?

Joseph: Caceres has been one of the best at his position this season. Barzagli has been terrific the last few years, but health has always been a concern and I don’t believe he is ready for nor is he able to shoulder a heavy workload given his increasing age. I don’t know if Allegri will stick with Caceres, but I always got the feeling that Barzagli was one of ‘Conte’s boys’. So I think that might factor in, but Caceres deserves the starting gig.

Hernan: Barzagli is a crucial player and was the best defender for Juventus last season. He and Chiellini are irreplaceable for me in the back three. Bonucci and Cáceres should fight for the remaining spot, but it’s hard to choose one as both were impressive this season. With three competitions being played all of them (and even Ogbonna) will be necessary.

Giovinco’s in a contract season, should we sell in January, renew with the vision of keeping him, renew with the vision of selling him for a higher price, or, renew with the vision of using him as a makeweight to acquire Zaza or Gabbiadini at a cut rate?

Anthony: I personally love the idea of renewing as an insurance blanket. We already own Berardi, so Giovinco would the perfect option to have as an option to either maintain depth, or send him to Sassuolo or Sampdoria to cut the price of bringing in Zaza or Gabbiadini.

John: I believe Giovinco is a good asset if we ever switch to a formation consisting of three forwards, but I would also not mind seeing him go if it means a reduced price for Gabbiadini or Zaza who are promising forwards. Yet again, we said the same about Giovinco after his stellar performances for Parma.

Rav: I think any way you look at it, Giovinco is important to keep at the club. He’s never going to be a guaranteed starter but if we continue to rotate the team, this season and the next, I think we should look at renewing with a view to keeping him. He offers something different to the other forwards at the club and he made that evident in his performance against Cesena.