Jonathan David (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Canada coach Jesse Marsch claims only Erling Haaland ranks above Jonathan David in Europe, predicting the striker could hit 50 goals per season for Juventus.
Jonathan David has finally secured a major move to a European giant, signing for Juventus after several prolific seasons with Lille. But his arrival in Serie A has sparked bold predictions—none bolder than the words from Canada’s national team coach Jesse Marsch.
Marsch believes David is already Europe’s second-best striker, ranking him only behind Erling Haaland in terms of impact and contribution. “Forwards are different, and in terms of raw contribution, only Haaland is better than David in all of Europe,” Marsch told reporters. “If Victor Osimhen also joins Juventus, it will be a fantastic attack that could score 50 goals per season.”
The statement has been met with widespread skepticism from fans and pundits alike, many of whom point to players like Kylian Mbappe, Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski, Benjamin Šeško, and Viktor Gyökeres as forwards with stronger credentials at the highest level.
While David has shown consistency in Ligue 1—scoring 26 goals in all competitions last season—he has yet to prove himself in the Champions League or on the biggest club stages. His ability to replicate or exceed that form in Italy remains to be seen.
The 24-year-old striker is known for his intelligent movement, composure in front of goal, and versatility across the front line. However, suggesting he could score 50 goals per season is ambitious, especially in Serie A, where defenses are traditionally tighter and tactical structures more rigid.
For now, the pressure is on. If David can deliver in his first season at Juventus, Marsch’s statement may one day seem prophetic. But if he struggles to adapt, those words could age very quickly.