David Neres is eager to return to the field, with his physical issues now behind him. Ready to start, he presents a key tactical opportunity for coach Conte.
Remember David Neres`s impact in Genoa last December? Despite playing on a different flank, his performance for Napoli against Genoa, where he provided an assist for Anguissa and relentlessly dribbled, demonstrated his ability to fill the void left by Kvaratskhelia. He was a constant threat, unsettling the opposition defense. Though he made a less impactful return in the reverse fixture from the bench, coach Conte is now reportedly ready to give Neres his first start of the season. This move signals a tactical shift back to a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to exploit wide play and one-on-one duels on the wings. This is a strong temptation for Conte, especially with a grueling schedule of seven matches in 22 days approaching after the international break. Having Neres in peak physical and mental condition could be a significant advantage.
His Moment to Shine
Neres endured a challenging first year at Napoli, joining for a substantial €30 million fee primarily as Kvaratskhelia`s understudy. However, even before Kvara`s eventual departure, Neres stepped up to become the vital creative force on the left wing. His momentum was unfortunately halted by an injury, causing him to miss 8 of the last 13 games and limiting his role. Despite this, he delivered two goals and six assists, providing a crucial and reassuring presence during a critical mid-season period. With Kvara`s imminent exit leaving a void on the flank, Neres stepped up with his dynamic play. The 4-3-3 trident formation is perfectly suited to his style, allowing him to excel on both the right and left wings. His explosive accelerations are often lethal for opposing defenders, significantly boosting Napoli`s offensive capabilities. The team now looks to him to revive their attacking prowess, potentially allowing other players like McTominay to focus on less `dirty work` roles, which he struggled with towards the end of last season.
A Fresh Start
This will mark Neres`s first start of the season, having accumulated a very limited total of 91 minutes so far, partly due to a muscle strain that kept him out of the Cagliari match. Last season, the Brazilian also took some time to secure a starting spot, making his debut against Lecce after nine league games. This upcoming match is a crucial test for Neres, offering him a chance to build confidence and allowing Conte to reinforce the team`s ability to seamlessly return to the 4-3-3 system – a formation Napoli has mastered over the past decade. It`s time for the 4-3-3 to prevail once more.
