Winning Serie A, McTominay will be loved like Maradona

McTominay is a big inspiration in Napoli's championship race.

Technically, no one would say McTominay is on par with Diego Maradona. In terms of influence, the Scottish midfielder is also far behind his senior. But, in a strange 2024/25 season, when the Manchester United academy graduate showed excellent scoring form, he received great admiration in Naples.

It is no exaggeration to say that with McTominay's leadership, Napoli are in a strong position to win the Scudetto title. It is just like Maradona single-handedly brought Napoli to the top of Serie A.

The brightest star

The Scot has been Napoli's star man all season, scoring a career-high 11 goals. A win over Cagliari at the Diego Maradona Stadium in Round 38 would secure the title.

Naples is a city that worships football and idolises star players if they bring glory to the fans. McTominay will be no exception if Napoli win Serie A this season.

He will enter the pantheon of legends if he becomes Italian champion. The winding alleys of Quartieri Spagnoli, where Diego Maradona appears on every corner, may soon have a mural in McTominay’s honour, if he wins Serie A.

The people of Naples still cannot believe they have signed McTominay. The Scottish star is a perfect fit for the club, and has quickly become a favourite with everyone, thanks to his talent, work ethic and humility.

Under Conte, McTominay immediately made his mark. His penetration into the penalty area and his ability to cause danger in the final third of the pitch terrified the entire Serie A. With his physical foundation and strong playing style, he easily overwhelmed the defenses in Italy.

With 17 goals and 6 assists in Serie A this season, McTominay has equalled the record for goals and assists for a midfielder in his debut season, set by Hernanes (Lazio). Even Kaka only managed 15 (goals + assists) in his first season at Milan.

Not only is McTominay excellent on the pitch, his attitude, leadership and personality make him equally loved. Former Napoli CEO Pierpaolo Marino commented that McTominay could become a future captain if he stays with the club long term.

McTominay is the leading candidate for the best Serie A title in 2024/25.

McTominay’s qualities also reach the locals, who surrounded his car with honking motorbikes after last weekend’s draw with Parma, and erected a “shrine” to his image in the city centre.

New Era

McTominay has been a key driver in Napoli’s title race and is one of the leading contenders for Serie A’s Player of the Year award this season. His £25.7m move last summer now looks like a bargain for Napoli.

Former Italy striker Gianfranco Zola said: “McTominay made the difference. My friends in Manchester couldn’t believe they sold him for that price.” Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said earlier this month: “The sale of Scott is baffling.”

McTominay's contributions have been not only regular but decisive. The midfielder's nickname "corkscrew" comes from the fact that he has scored 7 opening goals in Serie A matches in 2024/25.

Without McTominay, Napoli are not so sure of winning the title. They will enter the decisive match with 79 points, leading the rankings, 1 point ahead of defending champions Inter (78 points). A win against Cagliari, a team with no target after being relegated, will secure the Scudetto.

This championship is no less meaningful than the title Maradona brought home more than four decades ago, or the title in the 2022/23 season.

Last season, Napoli were in an incredible slump and many were quick to write them off. But, after just one summer transfer window with Conte and McTominay arriving, Napoli are back.

Huge screens have been erected in the city centre. Open-top buses have been prepared for the parade. Now it's up to McTominay and his team-mates. A Serie A title would see the Scot enter the Naples football pantheon.

Source: https://znews.vn/vo-dich-serie-a-mctominay-se-duoc-yeu-nhu-maradona-post1555169.html