In Naples, they usually like their foreigners a little bit volatile. Over the years they have found the fierce passion of the South Americans most in keeping with the club. But now a young boy from a little further north is starting to win them over.
Slovakian Marek Hamsik has been in Italy for a while and perhaps that has helped him to prepare for his starring role in the San Paolo. He was spotted by Brescia scouts playing at Under-16 level for his country and made his Serie A debut for them at the age of 18. He followed the club down to Serie B before Napoli came in for him last summer. Not bad for a boy aged just 20.
He has already justified his transfer fee with a string of determined and stylish performances in midfield. While Ezequiel Lavezzi has rightly grabbed the attention with his attacking flair, it is often Hamsik who has been the heartbeat of a side which has done surprisingly well after winning promotion. As with all young players, his optimism for the club knows no bounds. “I am prepared to watch the Champions League on the television for another two or three years,” he said. “But I want to make a mark on the European stage with this club.”
His role model comes from across the border in the Czech Republic, Juventus hero Pavel Nedved. Certainly, he has a degree of the work ethic and dedication shown by that Serie A veteran. He is always among the first at training and the last to leave. You get the feeling anything he achieves in the game will be well deserved.
It is little surprise that Guerin Sportivo magazine recently voted him one of the best 10 acquisitions of the summer. And a number of other clubs – including Manchester United – have been reputedly taking an interest. However, he seems keen to be part of the Napoli revolution for at least a few years to come. They could certainly do with him hanging around a little while if they hope to continue their remarkable progress up the League table. And with his drive and commitment to the cause, there might yet be a few Slovakian shirts joining the Argentine ones among the Napoli fans’ collections.
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