If at 16 years old Juventus decides to invest in you, buy you from a Belgian team and let you grow in Turin, it means that you have something that others don’t have. Koni DeWinter, a defender born in 2002, immediately became essential for the Under 17s first and then for the Primavera, but was unable to make the leap until he was 19. Playing for the Bianconeri certainly didn’t help him because standing out is always complicated in teams where you have no chance of making mistakes. No farewell on loan, simply an experience in Serie C with the Under 23s which helps him a lot. Beyond his performances, he also demonstrates great maturity, so much so that he also plays 81 minutes in the Champions League, spread over two matches, one of which as a starter.
This is enough for the experts to understand that he is ready for Serie A. In the summer he renewed with Juventus and was loaned out toEmpoli. Pressures increase, despite the chosen environment being ideal for growth. His first season in the top division is made up of ups and downs, 14 appearances which in any case are not few for someone who has risen two categories in one fell swoop. At this point the Old Lady decides to loan him out with an obligation to buy at 8 million euros plus 2 million euros in bonus Genoa.
Too much for him? Nope. 31 games played between Serie A and the Italian Cup, one assist, but above all playing time which allows him to gain confidence. Gilardino proposes a modern football, the defenders must also set, know how to move forward with the line and not be afraid to defend in the open field in spaces. The step taken by De Winter is surprising, he even takes away the satisfaction of making his debut with the Belgium shirt in a friendly. Time is on his side, the Genoa he bet big on him and the coach wants to make him a top player. The means are there, the prerequisites as well. And who knows, maybe someone is already trying to steal him from the Griffin. Koni De Winter turns 22 today.
