Paulo Dybala says he is 'overjoyed' by Gonzalo Higuain's transfer to Juventus, but warns: 'He will have some competition here'.
Last year's top Serie A scorer still looked a little out of condition in Sunday's friendly against West Ham, whilst goals were scored by his fellow strikers Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza.
Paulo Dybala says he is 'overjoyed' by Gonzalo Higuain's transfer to Juventus, but warns: 'He will have some competition here'.
Last year's top Serie A scorer still looked a little out of condition in Sunday's friendly against West Ham, whilst goals were scored by his fellow strikers Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza.
“The first thing I did when I heard that Higuain might join us was to send him a text and ask him what the situation was like,” said Dybala, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport. “He told me he was in talks with the clubs and that he wanted to join us. When I heard that everything was finalised, I was overjoyed.
“Gonzalo is a 'bomber', and it's not just me saying it. He scored 36 goals last year, setting a new Serie A record. We hope we can help him score a lot, and that he can help us in the championship in return.
“Of course, it's going to be much more difficult for him here at Juve, because there's a great deal of competition. Mario is in a good condition too and he's proving it.”
The Argentinian youngster was asked who would be taking penalties and free kicks for Juventus over the next season.
“I already told 'Pipa' that I'd take the first penalty, after that it'll come down to [assistant manager Marco] Landucci.
“As for free kicks, a lot of us have been practicing: [Miralem] Pjanic, Dani Alves, myself, [Roberto] Pereyra and [Gonzalo] Higuain. We set up a nice Thursday evening's club, we're having fun and we're getting better.
“We all want to take them, but there aren't that many free kicks on the pitch and we'll have to come to an agreement.”
Dybala was also asked what it was like to play alongside new signing Alves.
“There's no need to say anything, you just have to watch him. He's technically extraordinary and incredibly strong. I think he raised the technical bar for this team.
“When you have players like Dani and Pjanic, it's easier to find space and passes. Though of course English teams like West Ham give you more space than we get at home, where our opponents close up shop at the back.”