Why Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain Will Top the Capocannoniere Charts This Season

After a somewhat disappointing World Cup in terms of scoring goals, Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain could be set to dominate the scorer's charts in Serie A this season.

Even though his side Argentina progressed all the way to the final of Brazil 2014, "Pipita" surprisingly only found the net on one occasion.

Though he will no doubt be pleased that La Albiceleste made a big impression at the tournament, Higuain would have perhaps have expected to contribute more to the cause on an individual level, especially considering his tally of four goals at South Africa 2010.

Victor R. Caivano/Associated Press

Rather than damage his confidence, however, the 26-year-old's relatively quiet summer appears to have given him extra motivation to show his worth at club level.

Higuain put in strong performances in the pre-season friendly matches he was involved in and was one of the few Napoli players to come out of the two-legged Champions League qualifying loss to Athletic Bilbao with distinction.

The Argentine scored the side's only goal in the 1-1 home draw against the Basque outfit, and he proved a willing workhorse in the second leg, even though his team-mates only provided him with limited service.

Last season, which was Higuain's first with the southern Italian club, he quickly took on the role of leader of the team's attack.

In Rafael Benitez's preferred 4-2-3-1 tactical system, Higuain is perfectly suited to the role of centre-forward.

He is everything a modern No. 9 needs to be. Relatively tall and powerful, he can provide a focal point for Napoli's attacks, whether he is receiving the ball to his feet with his back to goal, or getting on the end of long balls or crosses into the box.

Although he can sometimes look ungainly, he is also very skilful at controlling the ball in tight spaces. Like all great strikers, Higuain is also a natural finisher who puts away the simple chances and creates goals from situations and angles that seem impossible.

Another attribute the former River Plate and Real Madrid man deserves to get more credit for is his tactical awareness and movement off the ball. If he is asked to help out in defence, for example, he willingly drops back to do just that. He is also savvy enough to take up a different role in the front line, as he does for Argentina when Lionel Messi is playing in the centre of attack.

As the first-choice centre-forward in one of the stronger-looking Serie A sides at present, Higuain can expect to receive plenty of decent service in 2014-15, especially considering the talents of those players who will be supplying him with chances, such as Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens, Marek Hamsik and Jose Callejon.

As long as he remains fit and his self-belief remains healthy, the Argentine has an excellent chance of taking out the Capocannoniere award this season.