Last season in the colors of Naples was particularly delicate and contrasting for Kevin De Bruyne. Often removed from the field due to repeated physical problems and having difficulty adapting in Campania after almost a decade at Manchester City, the midfielder had failed to regain the qualities demonstrated in England. This campaign disrupted by injuries left some doubts about his ability to return to his best level in Serie A.
However, the Belgian attacking midfielder quickly silenced the skeptics at the start of the season by sending extremely reassuring signals. During the last international meeting with the Red Devils, De Bruyne delivered sparkling performances including a decisive double against Turkey and a high-flying match against Italy. The opportunity for him to recall the full extent of his talent. His outbursts with the selection immediately relaunched the debate on his use at club, pushing his coach Massimiliano Allegri to adapt his tactical choices to maximize the Belgian’s performance in Naples.
Kevin De Bruyne excels lower down the pitch
The former Chelsea player continued his momentum this Saturday during the victory against Frosinone (3-0), where KDB scored his very first double in the Neapolitan jersey. Elected man of the match, the Belgian explained that he was adapting to his coach’s instructions even if he would like to play higher up the pitch, as he confided after the match on the microphone of Sky Sport : “I prefer to play in 8 or 10. Today I played in a different position, but that’s not a problem“. With Naples, he already has three goals and an assist in seven matches in all competitions this season.
Aligned in a more remote role at the heart of a 3-4-3 system alongside Stanislav Lobotka, Kevin De Bruyne proves that at 35 years old, this position a step lower suits him perfectly. By playing lower on the pitch, he benefits from an overall reading of the game and lets his passing skills speak from further down the pitch. Despite declining physical qualities over the years, this new register could well extend his career at the highest level while bringing happiness to Napoli, who face Villarreal this Tuesday in the Champions League (9 p.m.).
