After a mixed season, La Joya must accept the role of super-sub and apprentice at this World Cup, writes Emmet Gates.
The Juventus youngster is reaching the level of full maturation and started the campaign with a bang, but has realistically struggled to take a big game by the scruff of the neck since sweeping Barcelona aside 3-0.
This tournament in Russia may have come a little early for Dybala, as with Lionel Messi there and Jorge Sampaoli on the bench, he simply doesn't have enough room to shine in this side.
After a mixed season, La Joya must accept the role of super-sub and apprentice at this World Cup, writes Emmet Gates.
The Juventus youngster is reaching the level of full maturation and started the campaign with a bang, but has realistically struggled to take a big game by the scruff of the neck since sweeping Barcelona aside 3-0.
This tournament in Russia may have come a little early for Dybala, as with Lionel Messi there and Jorge Sampaoli on the bench, he simply doesn't have enough room to shine in this side.
He can still make the most of the super-sub role, starting today in the Round of 16 against France.
Click here for the full Paulo Dybala profile.
Or have a look round our 2018 World Cup Guide, including national analysis, more individual profiles, match reports and features.