De Bruyne believes a deeper role could extend his career

Ahead of the match against Villarreal, Kevin De Bruyne believes a deeper role could extend his career. “In that position, I would extend my career by two years,” he said. The Belgian midfielder, aged 35, had a difficult start in Naples and appeared to be drifting away from the king-like status associated with the world that elevated Diego Armando Maradona.

The picture is shifting with Max Allegri in charge: De Bruyne is gradually looking more like himself again. He made his mark with a brace against Frosinone in a 3-0 victory, playing close to the double pivot.

Allegri considers him an “extraordinary” player and believes a position at the base of midfield could help him improve further. He also told De Bruyne that the role could add two years to his career. De Bruyne, for his part, acknowledged playing in an unfamiliar position: “I’ve always played as a number 8 or number 10. This time I played in a different position, but that’s no problem. I’ve been asked to play in several positions; we have a lot of matches and I can do it.”

Naples’ sporting director, meanwhile, said De Bruyne had no decision to make. He recalled that the player joined the project the previous year and signed for two years, with an additional year as an option. He also acknowledged a difficult season and performances below De Bruyne’s potential, while stressing the financial and image value of the signing.

Allegri’s proposed change of role therefore offers a possible route back to form for the midfielder, while his coach sees it as a way to extend his career.