While Lorenzo Insigne has massively struggled so far this season, his counterpart, Dries Mertens, has replaced him and quickly become a sensation in Naples, putting his frustrating years under Rafa Benitez (and Coach Sarri himself) behind him.
The Belgian has already netted twice in the league, three goals in Champions League action and once more for his country, for good measure.
His never-say-die attitude is an example to many of his team-mates, among whom he has a bigger role nowadays.
This season has been very positive for the Belgian: even in defeat against Besiktas, the 29-year-old played well as a false nine, was well positioned for his goal, and could have taken the penalty which Insigne then missed. Incidentally, booing the Neapolitan was unfair, for many reasons.
There is little doubt that, a few months after Gonzalo Higuain’s departure, Napoli fans have found themselves a new hero. This weekend, the two maestros will clash in Matchday 11’s primetime game.
Who will prevail? Either way, this campaign has been a triumph for Mertens so far.
Giovanni Scotto, adapted by @EdoDalmonte
