Beukema, Napoli’s masked playmaker: leader in building from the back | OneFootball

In modern football, the role of the central defender has undergone an irreversible genetic mutation: it's no longer enough to be unbeatable in one-on-one situations; you need to be the team's first playmaker. No one embodies this dual nature better than Sam Beukema in Antonio Conte's new Napoli. The victory against Juventus provided definitive proof, supported by unequivocal data, of how the former Bologna player has become the pivotal figure in constructing the Azzurri's play.

Napoli Starts Anew with Beukema: The Total Defender Igniting Conte's Play

The numbers recorded in the big match at the Maradona paint the portrait of a "total" defender. Beukema emerged as the most impactful Azzurri player when it comes to advancing the team's position: he ranked 1st overall for passes in the final third (a remarkable 10) and for progressive passes (6). His omnipresence is further demonstrated by his volume of play. The Dutchman is the true magnet of the team: he dominates the central third with the highest number of touches (45) and is second only to goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic for balls managed in his defensive area, confirming himself as the first reliable option for playing out from the back.

But Beukema doesn't just pass; he leads the transition. With 79 total touches and 57 "carries" (ball dribbles), he ranks second on the team in these categories, showcasing the personality of someone unafraid to carry the ball and gain ground solo. Precision accompanies courage: out of 72 attempted passes, he completed 64, figures typical of a pure midfielder, placing him second among his teammates.

Andrea Alati

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.