Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay joined Napoli this summer in a deal worth ยฃ21 millions plus 4 million add ons. In his new journey he has made a brilliant start to his career in Italy. The Scottish international has scored four goals and provided two assists in fifteen appearances so far.
The midfielder has impressed a top manager like Antonio Conte and has cemented his spot. The fans have never seen him play like this at Manchester United before. It seems as if the Red Devils were holding him back from unleashing his true potential. His average match rating at Napoli is 7.5 which shows massive improvement. He has improved defensively as well by a huge margin. He has won 63 of his duels and made 55 recoveries. The Scottish international has helped his team pick up 35 points from 16 games. Even in possession of the ball, his passing numbers have improved.
“Leaving Manchester United wasn’t easy, but necessary.” Says McTominay
Scott McTominay admits it was difficult for him to leave his boyhood club for Napoli. The 27-year old has been a standout player for Conte. He opened up to the press and said that though it was difficult, it was necessary for him to leave Old Trafford. He understood the fact that he needs to upgrade to another club to push his career to the limelight.
At Manchester United, it felt as if he was chained. He showed glimpses of his true potential under Erik Ten Hag various times when he rescued crucial points for Manchester United. When the decision to let him go was taken, many ex-United players were left baffled. Plenty of pundits also suggested that he would “flop” in the Serie-A.
However, he proved all his doubters wrong and has started to enjoy his football in his new journey. He has expressed his admiration for the Napoli fans who have welcomed him with open arms. He has become a fan favourite at the Diego Maradona Stadium.
Speaking to the BBC Scotland, he says;
“It was a big decision, but in some ways it was quite straightforward.”
“I saw the passionate fans, I saw the coach, I saw the players and I saw an opportunity.”
“I love this place, I love the fans, I love my team-mates. It has been a pleasure to be with Billy every day rather than just seeing him at Scotland and we have helped each other a lot.”
All it takes is a manager’s trust and confidence to unlock true potential in a player
Antonio Conte must be praised for bringing out the best from Scott McTominay. At Manchester United he fell out of the manager’s confidence despite giving efforts regularly. He is a player who always gives his 100% for the badge. Conte identified his talent and has given him a key role in his team which is flying at the moment. This is just the confidence a struggling player needs to pick their career up. We have seen the same thing with Raphinha from FC Barcelona.
Napoli have also roped in former Chelsea and Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour. Him sharing the same nationality as Scott has helped him as well. Playing in a new country with a whole different language, finding compatriots is a huge advantage for any player.
Author’s Opinion:
I have always seen Scott McTominay who has been a constant hardworker. Even when the team’s down, he pushes and gives his hundred percent for the shirt he’s wearing. This is a huge quality and hardwork forever pays.
Old Trafford had him chained up, at Naples he’s free to fly. He’s reaping the efforts of his hard work and dedication on the field. Hopefully, he will be consistent and keep this form up in the future. Truly, a very underrated and underappreciated player across the world.
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