De Bruyne, Napoli’s engine: fewer flashes, more substance | OneFootball

Some judge him by the yardstick of aesthetics, always expecting superstar moves, while others rely on data. In the case of Kevin De Bruyne, the Napoli game against Pisa tells a precise story: the Belgian did not enchant with assists and magic, but he was the most tireless player on the field. He covered 11,854 kilometers, more than anyone else. A figure that also surpasses his teammate McTominay, who stopped at 11,728.

De Bruyne, between lights and shadows: the numbers promote him, the critics are divided

He is not the sparkling version admired for years at the Etihad, as highlighted by TuttoNapoli, but his performance should be read in a different light: less creativity, more concreteness. De Bruyne ended with 56 successful passes, 87% accuracy. Of these, 36 were vertical, attempts to break the opponent's line rather than easy backward passes. The audience understood this, applauding him on the occasion of a recovery in the second half that triggered the team's counterattack. And if the total recoveries were just 3, the sacrifice was not lacking: sprints up to 27.311 km/h, fourth fastest in the match, behind Lucca, Spinazzola, and Hojlund.

At 34 years old, the former City midfielder proves to have an athletic condition above average. Conte, in retreat, had defined him as "intact and motivated": the words find confirmation on the field. The decisive goal or assist will come, but in the meantime, Napoli benefits from a player who does not spare himself and who, with experience and mentality, leads his teammates even without spectacular moves. In a Napoli that is changing skin after the market and the insertion of new acquisitions, De Bruyne represents a precious reference point: less sparkle, more sweat. And sometimes that's exactly what it takes to win.

Andrea Alati

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