Alisha Lehmann has come in for criticism from fans claiming her role in Juventus’ title celebrations is not exactly proportionate to the part she played in securing the silverware.
Lehmann joined Juventus last summer, with her partner Douglas Luiz also signing for the men’s team, and she has managed to lift the Serie A title in her first campaign in Turin.
Her Juventus side beat AC Milan 2-0 to move 10 clear of Inter Milan, who have three games left and therefore a maximum of only nine points to pick up, ensuring the Bianconeri cannot be pipped to the post.
As such, the jubilant Juventus players were quick to revel in their achievement, dancing on the field in formation.
Lehmann, who has been labelled the ‘world’s sexiest footballer’, appeared to be leading the dance at the front on her own, with her team-mates lined up behind her, though this appeared to touch a nerve with some supporters, who argued she had a minimal role in the actual campaign.
The Swiss international only played eight minutes of the title-clinching win, her first league outing since a nine-minute cameo again against AC Milan on February 9.
Alisha Lehmann sparked criticism for her role in Juventus’ Serie A title-winning celebrations
She has been back in the UK recently at the head of a Baller League team with Maya Jama (left)
The Switzerland international has struggled to break into the first team since joining Juventus
In fact, Lehmann has only played 37 minutes since the turn of the year, and is yet to feature for 90 minutes since a clash with Sassuolo back in November.
To date, that is also the only time she played a full 90 minutes since joining from Villa over the summer, as the Swiss attacking midfielder struggles to break into the first team.
From five starts and 15 overall appearances in the league, she has scored twice, and is yet to pick up a first assist of the season, however some fans seemed to feel like she should not be taking a leading role in the celebrations.
‘Why is Alisha at the front?’ asked one fan on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘She’s only scored two goals in 17 games ffs where’s Girelli? The actual star player.’
Cristiana Girelli, Juventus’ 34-year-old star striker, has bagged a sensational 19 goals in 22 appearances this season, including the two that decided the title against AC Milan.
One of her country’s finest ever players, Girelli has played 99 times for Italy, scoring 51 times in the process.
‘For no reason and unnecessarily, Alisha Lehmann always want to be on the spotlight,’ another supporter wrote.
Juventus sealed the title with a 2-0 win over AC Milan to go 10 clear of Inter Milan
‘Centre stage of celebrations lol,’ chimed another.
In a difficult campaign, Lehmann has also seemingly fallen out of favour with her national team, left out numerous times from Switzerland’s international fixtures.
The forward, 26, posted a video on Instagram back in April of her pulling off various skills and completing drills barefoot on a beach in Dubai, including keepy-uppies, volleys, shuttle runs, and passing drills.
She will hope to make Switzerland’s European Championship squad, but it will be a battle after she also missed the international break in February due to a thigh injury.
Switzerland boss Pia Sundhage has insisted there is a way back for Lehmann, but admitted her injury has hampered her cause, with the Euros in her home nation now just two months away.
‘We want to put together the best team, maybe not with the best players,’ Sundhage said. ‘The doors are open to everyone. At the end of the day, there will be a chance for everyone.’
Explaining Lehmann’s absence, Sundhage added: ‘She was injured and hasn’t played for Juventus in a long time. She needs time to show that she belongs in the team.’
Lehmann, who used to play for Villa, West Ham, and Everton in the Women’s Super League, has been back in England recently as a coach in the new Baller League alongside Maya Jama. The six-a-side tournament, packed with former footballers and social media stars, is on Sky Sports and YouTube every Monday until mid-May.
