Sam Beukema is nearing his first appearance of the season as Napoli prepare for a demanding run that will test both Max Allegri’s squad depth and his willingness to adjust the defensive line.
The 27-year-old Dutchman has overcome the tendon problem that complicated his summer, and Napoli have managed his return carefully. He is now expected to feature in the joint training match against Avellino, coached by Alessandro Nesta, at Castel Volturno, with the fixtures after the international break offering a clearer opening.
Napoli face nine matches in fewer than four weeks before the next break, with games arriving every three days. Beukema, already in his second year at the club, is viewed as an important additional option alongside Amir Rrahmani and Rafa Marin.
A new role in Allegri’s preparations
During the pause in the calendar, Allegri has worked on a three-man defensive system in training. Beukema has been used on the right of that unit, with Rrahmani in the middle and Rafa Marin to the left.
It is not an entirely unfamiliar assignment for the former Bologna defender. He played on the right side of a back three under Antonio Conte last season, even though it was a new responsibility for him at the time. The position could again become relevant from the trip to Frosinone onwards as Napoli look for solutions across a crowded programme.
Beukema’s value is not restricted to direct marking. His ability to begin moves from defence has been particularly appreciated by Allegri, and it gives Napoli an alternative to his more conventional role in a central defensive pairing.
Numbers underline his distribution
Beukema completed 86 per cent of his passes in the opposition half during last season’s league campaign, while his overall completion rate stood at 91 per cent. His figure higher up the pitch was above Napoli’s 84 per cent average last term and also ahead of the current 81 per cent level.
That decline in accuracy in advanced areas has coincided with a more modest attacking return: Napoli have scored seven goals after five league rounds, compared with 10 at the same stage a year ago. One of those earlier goals came from Beukema.
Last season, he led all Serie A defenders for successful passes per match in the opposing half, averaging more than 21. Across four Italian top-flight seasons, he has worked under Thiago Motta, Vincenzo Italiano, Conte and now Allegri, taking something from each coach’s demands.
From investment to renewed opportunity
Napoli invested €30 million in Beukema, who made 32 appearances in his first season in blue. He has also settled into the city, recently attending the preliminary America’s Cup regattas on Naples’ seafront.
His immediate objective is to earn a more prominent place in Allegri’s plans as Napoli enter a decisive stretch of the championship calendar. Further ahead, Beukema also has the Netherlands national team in mind, but his route starts with restoring his place at club level.
