Kevin De Bruyne’s first weeks of the season have given Napoli a sharper centre of gravity. After physical problems restricted his impact for long periods last year, the Belgian has been ever-present through the opening six league rounds and has quickly become one of the reference points in Max Allegri’s side.
De Bruyne finds continuity in Napoli’s midfield
Napoli had seen flashes of De Bruyne’s quality during the previous campaign, but fitness issues prevented him from sustaining that influence over several months. This season has begun differently: he has played in each of the first six matches, producing three goals and one assist.
- His opening contribution came against Genoa, where he scored once and created another goal, with both actions involving Vergara.
- He added two further goals in Napoli’s 3-0 win over Frosinone, including one from the penalty spot.
- The second of those Frosinone goals completed his first double of the campaign on Saturday.
Those returns have underlined his importance in Allegri’s plans. De Bruyne has assumed responsibility in Napoli’s midfield, contributing to the construction of attacks while also arriving in scoring positions.
A productive start by the numbers
| Matches played | Goals | Assists | Negative scoring events | Fantasy average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8.08 |
In fantasy football terms, his 8.08 average is among the ten strongest returns for midfielders in the competition. His valuation stood at 45 credits before the sixth matchday, and the Frosinone brace is likely to raise it.
For Napoli, however, the more significant development is not the valuation but the continuity. With De Bruyne fit and involved every weekend, Allegri has a midfielder capable of carrying possession forward, supplying teammates and deciding matches himself.
