Why Dries Mertens Will Rejuvenate Napoli's Attack

Lightning-quick and creative, Napoli’s Dries Mertens is back in action. He entered the Sampdoria match late on to make his first appearance for the club after suffering a concussion during the international break.

During his two-match absence, coach Rafael Benitez was forced to tinker with his lineups seeing as Lorenzo Insigne and Michu were both unavailable to play. Left-attacking midfield options in Jorginho and Jonathan de Guzman proved to be ineffective in owning up to the tactical switch.

Mertens’ return to action will help Napoli finish 2014 strongly, before the club seeks out reinforcement in the January transfer window.

Against Cagliari, De Guzman got the nod and switched positions with captain Marek Hamsik a few times during the match. Even though the Dutch international found the back of the net, he was not in his most comfortable position on the wing.

His natural role involves creating in the centre of the pitch, and his attributes do not suit him to play out wide. Thus, De Guzman failed to make a real penetrative impact in the match.

Jorginho’s ability in a completely new position was then tested in the Europa League away to Sparta Prague. The 22-year-old is a creative player and normally plays deep in midfield. He too found difficulty playing out on the left, and Napoli’s attack suffered.

Mertens was not fit enough to start against Sampdoria so Faouzi Ghoulam took his place, but his newfound position meant that Napoli paid the price in defence in fielding Miguel Britos at left-back.

Ghoulam likes to get forward and deliver crosses but was still getting accustomed to playing in a different role and therefore was not too effective. The result? The Partenopei were unable to impose their play and were short of ideas against the Blucerchiati. The away side was then reduced to sitting back and absorbing endless waves of home attacks.

Benitez introduced Mertens in the 59th minute as Napoli conceded two minutes prior.

His impact was immediate.

The attacker’s positive energy and slipperiness gave Sampdoria problems and forced them to a reactive approach. Mertens possesses a great touch and technique, and he combined well with his teammates. He was responsible for setting up Ghoulam in space who would then deliver the goal-tying cross to Duvan Zapata.

Napoli's attack has been lacklustre without the likes of Insigne and Mertens seeing as there are not any current suitable options that Benitez can utilise. Mertens coming back in the Spaniard's plot will allow his side to play more direct and quicker on the counter.  Napoli tallied 104 goals in all competitions last season due to their fluid attack.

Mertens is the type of player who has the ability to push down the flank and whip in a cross or cut inside and fire a shot on goal.  His constant spark of energy is needed in the times when Napoli begin to get complacent and sluggish—especially after taking the lead.  

He poses constant threats to opposing defences due to his quick-turning abilities and is also very reliable in tracking back to defend.

Now back from injury, he will be a key factor for Napoli's drive toward a third-place finish by putting in great performances for the remainder of the calendar year.

It seems as though Napoli’s tactical predicament has been solved until reinforcements are added in January. The Partenopei will take on Empoli, AC Milan and Parma to close out the year in Serie A action.

Napoli should be striving for at least seven points from those three matches. With Mertens fully recovered, there is great hope for success.