How De Bruyne and McTominay could fit together in Napoli’s midfield | OneFootball

With recent reports claiming that Napoli have opened talks with Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, questions are emerging over how Antonio Conte—or another incoming coach—might deploy the Belgian international in a midfield that already includes Scott McTominay.

The former Manchester United player has been the undisputed standout in Napoli’s midfield this season, playing a pivotal role in the team’s attacking output with 11 Serie A goals in 31 appearances—just one fewer than Romelu Lukaku.

epa12016577 Napoli’s Frank Anguissa (L) celebrates with his teammate Scott McTominay after scoring the 0-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Bologna FC and SSC Napoli, in Bologna, Italy, 07 April 2025. EPA-EFE/SERENA CAMPANINI

Integrating De Bruyne into Napoli’s system would inevitably alter the midfield dynamics, given the Belgian’s renowned attacking instincts and his ability to link up seamlessly with the forward line.

Can De Bruyne and McTominay coexist at Napoli?

Napoli’s current midfield setup includes two equally vital figures: Stanislav Lobotka and Zambo Anguissa.

While the Slovakian primarily dictates the tempo in the build-up phase, Anguissa has helped create a well-oiled partnership with McTominay, as the pair alternate between deep-lying duties and forward runs, using their physicality to challenge opposition defences.

Assuming Napoli retain all of their current midfielders, it’s not easy to see where De Bruyne would naturally slot in.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg match between Manchester City and Real Madrid C.F. at Manchester City Stadium on February 11, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Wide roles in formations like the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 seem less suitable for a player past his physical peak, who may no longer possess the pace to make a consistent impact in those areas.

Conversely, the 33-year-old could be an ideal fit as a link between midfield and attack in Conte’s trademark 3-5-2 system—either playing off a central striker or operating in a free role around him—though the coach has experimented with different shapes this season.

The equation would change if Napoli decided to sell Anguissa, which would open up space in the current setup. This could see McTominay move into a deep-lying playmaker role alongside Lobotka, with De Bruyne deployed as a trequartista—arguably his most natural position.

NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 27: Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Serie A match between Napoli and Torino at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 27, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Even in that scenario, the Scottish midfielder could continue to showcase his box-to-box qualities, making timely attacking runs while providing a physical presence in aerial duels and midfield battles.

It’s more difficult to imagine McTominay and De Bruyne coexisting in a 4-3-3, as the Belgian would struggle to offer the defensive coverage required from a central midfielder in such a system, potentially exposing Napoli’s balance.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, De Bruyne has already received an offer from MLS side Chicago Fire and is expected to attract further interest as his Manchester City chapter draws to a close.