Napoli, De Bruyne effect: midfield maestro lifts Conte’s side | OneFootball

The arrival of Kevin De Bruyne has brought not only technical quality to Napoli, but also a new energy and a winning mentality, reports Gazzetta dello Sport.

Napoli, the De Bruyne effect: the midfield maestro who transforms Conte's game

At 34, the Belgian superstar proves himself a universal player, capable of interpreting multiple roles and adapting to any game system.

A versatile talent at the service of Napoli De Bruyne has never had a fixed position: in his career he has acted as a half-wing, attacking midfielder, winger, and offensive director, moving naturally between midfield and three-quarters. This versatility allowed him to excel in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, winning five Premier Leagues, a Champions League, and a long series of national trophies, in 422 appearances and 108 goals.

His technical baggage and the ability to read the game make him perfect for Antonio Conte's tactical project, who during the retreat has already experimented with multiple solutions with him in the midfield.

Conte's laboratory: all options with De Bruyne The Salento coach is shaping a Napoli capable of alternating schemes and approaches, making the most of the new acquisition:

4-1-4-1: De Bruyne as an attacking midfielder, ready to insert himself between the lines.

4-3-3: positioned in the center-right to exploit his launches and long-distance shooting.

4-2-3-1: attacking midfielder behind Lukaku, paired with Anguissa in midfield.

4-4-2 or three-man defense: adaptable without losing incisiveness, thanks to his tactical intelligence.

His presence allows Conte to vary the game setup from match to match, without sacrificing quality.

Immediate impact on team and fans The "De Bruyne factor" was felt from the first day of the retreat: thousands of fans followed the training sessions, enchanted by the class and naturalness with which the Belgian handles the ball. The enthusiasm for the fourth Scudetto has thus transformed into a sense of trust in a new football era for the club.

A free transfer... but beyond any parameter Arriving at the end of his contract, with a signing bonus of 10 million euros, De Bruyne represents a high-profile operation in every aspect. He brings with him a wealth of international experience, a winning mentality, and an elegance in the game that can further elevate the level of Napoli.

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