Dries Mertens has been the embodiment of this Napoli season, his form coinciding with the clubs fortunes. The Belgian’s move from left to centre has changed the dynamics of the Neapolitans and, whilst his technique has never been brought into question, his ability to play centrally was something not many even considered.
With PSV Mertens featured solely on the left wing and, during his spell in Italy, had only played centrally once before this season. The opening fixture of the 2015/16 Serie A season saw Mertens line up alongside Higuaín with Insigne slotting in behind; the 2-1 loss away at Sassuolo saw this lineup discontinued and the idea disregarded, for now.
“I’m amazed only by his role, given that his quality has never been in doubt. He’s a quality striker.” – Paolo Cannavaro speaking on Mertens
With Higuaín sold and Milik inbound, Mertens struck up another flourishing relationship. Milik brought with him the ability to bring others into play, not just the stereotypical ‘hold up play’ that a taller striker often brings. Maurizio Sarri championed Milik’s aggression and strength but his ability to move the ball quickly to the wings and dart into the box caused undoubted danger. The Polish international would frequently drop back allowing Insigne, Mertens or Callejon the chance to run through into the vacated space. His injury allowed the aforementioned three to feature together in a flowing triumvirate.
Mertens and Milik struck up a flourishing partnership early on in the season
A lack of trust in Gabbiadini saw Mertens make the small move centrally and the team had to relearn its functions. Napoli struggled initially, winning only two of the first six games in which the Belgian played centrally, dropping crucial points in the title race and seemingly struggling to adjust to life without Arkadiusz Milik. In five of his first six games in his new position Mertens failed to register a goal or assist but the 29-year-old was adapting game by game. The new look Napoli began to settle and set in motion the foundations for their best football of the season with Mertens able to reap the rewards, scoring 13 goals and recording 5 assists in his next nine Serie A games and being key in thrashings of Cagliari, Torino and Bologna.
The front three of Insigne, Mertens and Callejon is possibly the most interchangeable attack currently plying its trade in Europe. An inimitable combination of intelligence and speed allows for the creation and exploitation of space on an imposing scale. The flourishing movement of the diminutive trio brings others into play, much like the combination play of Milik previously, with most of the build-up flowing down the left hand side of the team. Mertens sole role as left wing when playing in Holland and his native Belgium has made drifting to the left almost second nature and his knowledge of positional play has allowed him to draw on experience and capitalise on the teams focused ball retention.
His speed not only creates space for others but causes havoc for defenders who are constantly put under pressure by Maurizio Sarri’s side. The shooting technique of the Belgian is clean and precise whilst his dribbling in tight situations is accomplished. Mertens hattrick against Bologna in a 7-1 classic showcases the traits many have grown to appreciate this season. His first goal was a pinpoint stroke of a free-kick of which he won himself through impressive movement and determination. The second goal, ten minutes later, displayed his willingness to run the channels and highlighted the supreme timing of his darting movements; the composure to round the keeper exhibited his growing confidence. His final goal in the final minute of the game showed just how good his first touch and dribbling is with the finish never in doubt.
The slight tweak in position for Dries Merten has paid dividends for Napoli but most importantly his confidence is rising rapidly alongside his stock.
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