Three to Watch: Fluidity and creativity thrive in Napoli attack

The Giallorossi are looking good in the league after their 3-1 win over Inter Milan last Sunday, although the midweek defeat to Lazio in the cup halted the momentum somewhat.

At least manager Luciano Spalletti will have a full squad at his disposal - barring Alessandro Florenzi - as he looks for determined reaction from his squad.

Meanwhile, the Partenopei are now five points behind in the standings, after a surprising 2-0 home defeat to Napoli last weekend. Napoli also suffered midweek defeat in the first leg of their Coppa Italia - but remain the highest scoring outfit in Serie A this season and a difficult challenge for any opponents.

Our columnist believes these three attackers who will be up to the task in the Derby del Sole...

Marek Hamsik

Just six behind club record-holder Diego Maradona, Hamsik is on track to overtake El Pibo de Oro’s 115 goals.

Having scored 14 times in all competitions already this season, the attacking midfielder is the driving force behind Sarri’s tactics, and has been inspiring the club’s play for the best part of a decade.

Known for his endurance, strength, creativity, and eye for goal, Hamsik is the complete package – and has pushed his team towards Champions League qualification by making seven assists, and 55 scoring chances. Of 1818 completed passes, he has achieved an accuracy rate of 89% - of which 63% were forward passes. Put simply, he is the conductor for the squad.

Although the Slovakian international has plenty ahead in his career at 29 years-old, there is no denying that he has already won legendstatus among the Partenopei faithful.

Jose Callejon

One of the most gifted attackers in the league, Callejon offers a rare balance of creativity, precision, and speed.

After leaving Real Madrid for more playing time in 2013, the wing-forward has cemented his spot in the Ciucciarelli’s attack, providing a dynamic and omni-present threat from the right.

The Spaniard has been in deadly form so far this season, scoring 11 times and weighing in with a further 10 assists - highlighting his qualities as both a provider and a finisher.

Taking over two shots per match and achieving an 85% pass completion rate – while making 40 passes a game – Callejon’s ability to maintain control and spread the ball around the attacking half half is pivotal in keeping Napoli’s opponents on their heels.

Dries Mertens

In the wake of Arkadiusz Milik’s absence, Napoli fans’ prayers were answered as this converted striker almost immediately filled the void.

While having made most of his appearances in Naples from the left-wing, Mertens grew up as a traditional centre-forward, where he shone during his time at PSV Eindhoven – converting a hat-trick in his first month with the club, and scored 45 goals in 88 appearances.

Now with 17 starts from the centre forward role this term, the Belgian international has scored 15 times, making a total of 20 when combined with substitutions and left-wing appearances.

A further six assists and 36 chances created lends credibility to any praise for his creative abilities, in addition to his goal-scoring prowess. More a false nine than an out-and-out striker, his movement and elusive qualities will make it hard for the Giallorossi defence to pin him down.

Lightweight and just 1.69 metres tall, Mertens has overcome the odds in his career – a characteristic that shows his integrity and determination, which will complicate matters for the Giallorossi defence.