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Llorente finding his feet at Juventus

"A complete player" according to Antonio Conte, Juventus striker Fernando Llorente was unused at FC København on matchday one but could be key as they meet again.

Fernando Llorente (right) addresses the media alongside Juventus coach Antonio Conte
Fernando Llorente (right) addresses the media alongside Juventus coach Antonio Conte ©AFP/Getty Images

"A complete player" according to coach Antonio Conte, Juventus striker Fernando LLorente is truly starting to find his feet in Turin.

A summer acquisition from Athletic Club, Llorente underwent a gradual integration into the team and was not involved at all in the Bianconeri's 1-1 draw at FC København on UEFA Champions League matchday one. However, he opened his Juve account five days later and subsequently scored home and away against Real Madrid CF. The Spanish international now looks a certain starter for Wednesday's visit of an FCK side just a point ahead of Juve, who are bottom of Group B.

"I work – day after day, match after match – to become a better player," said the 28-year-old. "What I like to do on the pitch is to help my team and my colleagues. This is the only important thing for me. I don't know if I will be on the pitch from the first minute. I don't care, but I feel good and this is important.

"I have to play better and better, because I want to take part at the World Cup. This season, after a period on the bench, I'm now playing and I think I'm doing well. However, I know I can show much more, and this is what I will do, for sure."

Llorente's burgeoning partnership with fellow new signing Carlos Tévez has been key to the Italian champions returning to the Serie A summit. Though there is still plenty of work to do if Juve are to stay afloat in Europe, Conte has full faith that Llorente's role will be integral.

"Fernando Llorente has been very able until now," said the coach. "He arrived here as a world and European champion and he has waited for his chance, without any trouble, because he is a champion and an intelligent player. He had patience, worked really hard, and is still working at many things. He is a complete player and he can still do much more. We wanted Fernando because we knew how strong he is, but he has the chance to do more. It's clear to me that he will go to the 2014 World Cup if he continues to play like he is."

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