The Scotland star is returning to Napoli with a major game ahead in Serie A.
Belgian superstar Kevin De Bruyne has sent a message to Scott McTominay at Napoli - as the Scotland ace is set to form an elite quartet upon his Serie A return.
The midfielder was part of Steve Clarke’s squad that lost friendlies to Japan and Ivory Coat last month as World Cup preparations ramped up. Now focus is on domestic football in Italy and Antonio Conte’s team are looking to put title pressure on Inter Milan in first, and AC Milan one place ahead of them in second, who they face on Monday.
Napoli are seven points off leaders Inter but only one behind their city rivals and a victory could see them return to second. De Bruyne joined the club that includes McTominay and Scotland teammate Billy Gilmour last summer after an illustrious stint with Manchester City, and Napoli’s title glory, with praise from the ex-Manchester United man read out to him in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
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What did Kevin de Bruyne say about Scott McTominay
McTominay previously said that the Naples-based side were ‘honoured’ to have the Belgian in their ranks and he responded with kinds words for the Scotland man, as he previewed the big clash. De Bruyne said: "It's nice to hear that, but it's the same for me.
“I've had my career, with what I've done, but I'm no different from them. I came here as a footballer and I've often played against Scott in important matches. But yes, it's nice to hear it from him. I try to give my best for myself and the team, and since they're young, I hope I can perhaps offer some lessons that can help them in the future.
“I think I'm a good player, not a special person. I have my qualities as a player, and like everyone else, I try to do my job to the best of my ability, but I don't feel different from anyone else. Like I said, my career is my career. What I've done is the reason people say that, but that's in the past. Obviously, it will help me in the future with a couple of things, but as a person, I'm the same."
What role will Scott McTominay play in Napoli vs AC Milan?
The outlet also claim that McTominay will take a key role in a Napoli quartet that haven’t combined since October, as the Scotland talisman, De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka could all be started. That has been highlighted as a boost for what Conte wants to achieve.
It’s stated: “Conte seems inclined to return to the Fantastic Four , who haven't played together since October and have never seen each other in the new system. Anguissa and Lobotka will form the central midfield pairing, while McTominay and De Bruyne will operate behind Rasmus Hojlund , as they did in Cagliari.
“Compared to the match in Sardinia, Leonardo Spinazzola is expected to regain his place on the left flank, while the most lively choice remains in defense: Juan Jesus is fully recovered and competing with Mathias Olivera for a spot , but after obtaining a clan sheet that had been missing for over two months, it's possible the defensive trio seen on the island will continue.”
