5 Napoli players who have impressed the most in the 2018-19 Serie A

The 2018-19 Serie A season has been a satisfactory one for Napoli as Carlo Ancelotti’s side are enjoying an eventful run. Although in the 2017-18 season Napoli finished 2nd in the points table, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be hoping his side to move one step ahead and win the Serie A title. Napoli currently is at the 2nd position in the points table with 48 points. Ancelotti’s side is separated by 11 points with leaders Juventus who are at the moment at the 1st position with 59 points. Napoli has a good amount of catching up to do to reduce the deficit.

Ancelotti had expressed disappointment when Napoli couldn’t make it to the pre-quarters in the ongoing Champions League season but the Italian has stated that winning the Serie A will be a morale booster for his side. Napoli has looked a much better side as compared to the last season, but they need to be consistent in every department. Napoli played an attacking brand of football under Maurizio Sarri and Carlo Ancelloti too has stressed on the importance of allowing his players to play their natural game which is a positive sign.

The players too need to keep on playing as per their strengths and need to continue with the good work. Napoli has looked a far better side in terms of keeping the ball in possession and have looked sharp during counter attacks. Their defence has also looked good against teams who are quick on counter attacks. Carlo Ancelotti has made some intelligent changes while playing against different oppositions which have been beneficial for the team.

Altogether, the team has looked quite disciplined and the players too have coordinated well. Carlo Ancelotti's side surely has got some exceptional players who have played a crucial role for the team in the ongoing season. We take a look at five such players who have impressed the most.

#1 Dries Mertens

The 31-year-old has looked in prime form this season and produced some magnificent performances. The Belgian troubled the best defences with his lightning pace while his finishing looked immaculate.

Dries Mertens also teamed up well with Fabian Ruiz and Piotr Zielinski in the midfield. His ability to expose the gaps in the opposition’s half with his clever moves has looked quite sharp.

Mertens was quoted as saying that Carlo Ancelotti's presence has allowed him to play freely as the Italian hasn’t tried to tinker his natural game.

In the ongoing Serie A season, the Belgian has scored 8 goals in 20 games with 7 assists to his name and will be hoping to continue with his good run of form. He also scored 3 goals in 6 Champions League games this season.

The striker had an eventful World Cup with Belgium and Ancelotti will be hoping the striker continues to impress in the upcoming fixtures. Mertens is considered one of the best strikers in the Serie A and his experience has been valuable for some of the younger players of the team.

# 2 Lorenzo Insigne

Lorenzo Insigne’s presence has surely upgraded the quality of Napoli’s forward line as the 27-year-old has been an influential figure for them. Insigne has colluded well with Dries Mertens as the duo has formed an effective strike partnership in the forward line.

The Italian’s ability to keep the rival's defence in check with his swift moves has been appreciated by many. Lorenzo Insigne has showcased his ability to run through the rival’s defence with his aggressive runs. Insigne has always shown great application when it comes to his clever passes and counter-attacking style of play.

Insigne has scored 7 goals in 18 matches with 5 assists to his name this season. Insigne has also looked quite sharp while operating at the flanks. The striker also scored 3 goals in 6 Champions League games in the 2018-19 season. His ability to hold the possession of the ball can unsettle any opposition.

#3 Arkadiusz Milik

Arkadiusz Milik looked in decent form in the last season and has continued with his good run in the ongoing season too. Hamsik has looked absolutely brilliant in the 2018-19 season dominating the opposition’s defence with his attacking runs.

The Polish international has looked threatening inside the box because of his inch-perfect finishing. The striker has scored 11 goals in 18 matches and contributed in 1 assist in the last season.

The 24-year-old has shown his class with some smart passes that have often puzzled the opposition. The former Ajax player has looked good during aerial duels and also with his precise long passes. Milik is considered one of the future stars of Serie A and Napoli will be banking on his services during crunch situations.

His deceptive movements inside the box can catch the opposition’s defence off guard. Milik’s presence has infused a lot of intensity in Napoli’s forward line. Considered to be a big match player Milik has been the core of Napoli’s forward line.

#4 Fabian Ruiz

Known for his versatility Fabian Ruiz can play as a winger, striker as well as an attacking midfielder. Ruiz’s presence has provided a much-required balance as the 22-year-old can combine well with the midfield line as well as the forward line. His creative moves have outfoxed the best defences which have always been praised by Carlo Ancelotti.

The manager has also stated that Ruiz remains an integral part of their midfield and his presence could be instrumental in his side’s success in the upcoming matches too. Ruiz has netted 3 goals in 13 Serie A matches in the 2018-19 season with 1 assist to his name. Ruiz has looked threatening because of his precise long passes.

The midfielder can also outsmart the best defences with his unpredictability and deceptive moves. The Spaniard has caused problems for the opposition because of his tendency to move deep in the opposition's territory with his clever movements.

#5 Piotr Zielinski

The Polish international started his career with Udinese but since his arrival at Napoli the 25-year-old has improved quite well technically and has provided depth in this Napoli outfit. The 25-year-old is known for his ability to play as an attacking midfielder like Jose Callejon and has been influential in the midfielder because of his ability to win aerial duels and smart moves.

Ancelotti has said that his presence has helped his teammates to take their intensity to the next level which has enabled them to do well during crunch situations. Although Zielinski has only scored 3 goals in the 2018-19 Serie A season in 21 games the midfielder's, presence provides fluidity in Napoli’s midfield.

Zielinski has also looked confident while moving ahead and has looked strong during set pieces. Zielinski has been a busy player for Napoli and his clever circulation of the ball has often baffled the opposition's defence.

Edited by Aaditya Narayan