Rio Ferdinand believes Paulo Dybala will be disappointed with his performance against Real Madrid as another opportunity to bolster his credentials on the biggest stage went begging.
Dybala was sent off in Juve’s quarter-final defeat by the reigning champions for two bookable offences – the first of which was for simulation and the second for a high boot.
The Argentina international has been touted as the next big thing to come out of Juve’s academy following a stellar breakthrough campaign last year.
Paulo Dybala had a night to forget in the loss to Real Madrid, getting sent off in the second half
Pundit Rio Ferdinand believes Dybala will be disappointed with his performance in Turin
But he failed to deliver on Tuesday night while his counterpart, Cristiano Ronaldo, scored twice, including a spectacular overhead kick, to drag his side to victory.
And pundit Ferdinand has insisted the 20-year-old will be frustrated with the fact he could not help his side to victory as they succumbed to a heavy defeat in Turin.
‘He’ll be disappointed today, because he was one of the players given a star billing,’ Ferdinand said on BT Sport after the match.
When asked whether Dybala is a player who is among the very elite, Ferdinand replied: ‘On tonight’s performance I’d say no, but I’ve seen glimpses of him that he has got the ability and the potential to get to that level.’
Fellow pundit and Chelsea icon Frank Lampard also weighed in on the precocious talent and agreed with Ferdinand – even claiming the striker may have to move away from the Allianz Stadium if he is to catapult himself into that top bracket.
Frank Lampard, meanwhile, claimed Dybala may have to move away from the Allianz Stadium
‘It’s not fair to compare him (to Lionel Messi and Ronaldo), he’s too young,’ added Lampard.
‘He’s still developing and it might mean at some stage he might have to move to a different league, but at Juventus he is the great young hope for them.
‘But affecting games more regularly, particularly these games, defines your career and how people see you. But he did it last year to be fair, so he’ll be back, there’ll be more moments from him.’
Dybala was booked just before half-time for simulation after he ghosted into the box and drew a challenge from Casemiro.
The Juve striker went down and was adjudged to have dived by referee Cuneyt Cakir, a decision Lampard agreed with.
Dybala was adjudged to have dived for first booking and Lampard labelled him a ‘naughty boy’
‘It did look a dive,’ said Lampard. ‘His original piece of skill was pretty good, but the touch he was looking for… he throws his arms out being a bit theatrical, to see if he can con the ref to a degree, it;s probably a fair booking I would say.’
Ferdinand added: ‘I think you see his reaction after the yellow card, that’s guilt.’
‘Yeah, naughty boy,’ replied Lampard. ‘Keep your head down.’
He was eventually sent off for a high boot — just moments after Ronaldo’s stunning strike — which caught Dani Carvajal in the chest.
It brought back memories of that famous Nani sending off for Manchester United, which Ferdinand pointed out was overseen by the same referee, against Madrid back in 2013.
Dybala will now miss the second leg at the Bernabeu and will watch on from the sidelines, praying for a minor miracle which would see them go through.
The Argentine trudged off as his team succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Real