Napoli Season Player Ratings: Osimhen Leads Partenopei to Glory

After 33 long years, Napoli have done it again. The Southerners cliched the third Scudetto title in their history, and the first in the post-Maradona era. From the very start of the campaign, the Partenopei were untouchable, and by mid-season, they had already left all other competitors in their wake, and their incredibly-deserved triumph became a matter of time. Even though their Champions League elimination was a hard pill to swallow, this remains a historic season for Napoli, as they managed to end the exclusive dominance of the Northern trio over the Italian landscape, one that lasted more than two decades.

So let’s pay homage to the Azzurri heroes by rating the performances of every Napoli player throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

Alex Meret – 7.5

It’s only fitting to start with the Number One. In his previous campaigns at Napoli, there had always been some question marks regarding the Italian custodian and his worthiness to the post. But this term, he managed to put all doubts to rest and cement himself as one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the country.

Pierluigi Gollini – 6

This season, the former Spurs man only managed to collect four Serie A appearances, and three of them came during his time at Fiorentina. Ironically, he collected three clean sheets in the process, one as a Viola player against Napoli, and another as a Partenopei goalkeeper against his parent club Atalanta.

Hubert Idasiak – N/A

Davide Marfella – N/A

Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7.5

The Napoli captain was an instrumental element in his side’s triumphant campaign. After inheriting the armband from Lorenzo Insigne, he took his performances and determination up a notch. Incredibly, he’s yet to miss out on a starting berth this season, with the exception of the Coppa Italia tie against Cremonese.

Bartosz Bereszynski – N/A

Amir Rrahmani – 7

The Kosovan might not be a household name on the international level, but Napoli supporters know just how valuable he is. When Kalidou Koulibaly departed the city, it was up to the 29-year-old to welcome Kim Min-jae to the fold and make sure that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.

Leo Ostigard – 6

In the presence of more experienced options, the 23-year-old couldn’t impose himself. He remains fourth in Spalletti’s centre-back pecking order. Nonetheless, he never embarrassed himself in his outings, and perhaps next season will have better things in store for the Norwegian.

Kim Min-jae – 8

Last summer, the club’s supporters were wondering how the backline will fare in the absence of its ultimate leader Koulibaly. Nevertheless, sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli didn’t just pull a rabbit out of his hat, but a South Korean monster. The centre-back immediately established himself as a stalwart at the back, and might just be the best defender in Serie A this season.

Juan Jesus – 6

Although he’s been a backup for Kim and Rrahmani, the former Roma and Inter defender showcased his vast experience every time his services were called upon. He put up a solid display in the recent win over Juventus at the Allianz Stadium.

Mario Rui – 7

During his time in Naples, the Portuguese rarely received the plaudits he deserved. Nonetheless, his supporters gradually grew fond of him and his die-hard attitude. Moreover, his seven assists in the league are a testament to his technical quality, as he can always pick up a teammate with his sublime crossing.

Mathias Olivera – 6

While it wasn’t a terrible first season for the Uruguayan at the Maradona Stadium, he couldn’t establish himself as Spalletti’s first choice at left-back as many had expected. Furthermore, missing two free headers in the decisive Champions League encounter against Milan will surely haunt him for a long time. However, he’s only 25 and still has time on his side.

Stanislav Lobotka – 8.5

Prior to this campaign, the Slovakian had mostly been an afterthought at Napoli. But following Fabian Ruiz’s departure, the former Celta Vigo man finally rose to the occasion, demonstrating his immense capabilities that prompted the management to sign him in the first place. Lobotka has now cemented himself as the best deep-lying playmaker in Serie A and arguably the most integral piece in Spalletti’s tactical jigsaw.

Diego Demme – 5.5

Thanks to the German, the Azzurri preserved the tradition of having a “Diego” in their Scudetto-winning squad. Sadly, this is where Demme’s contributions begin to dwindle. The battling midfielder used to be an important element in the squad during Gennaro Gattuso’s reign at the club, but nowadays, he’s been reduced to a benchwarmer who only made five appearances across all competitions. But at least he’ll leave the club in the summer with a Scudetto medal in the bag.

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 8

The former Fulham man was last season’s best signing at Napoli. Though newcomers stole the limelight away from him, the Cameroonian still made bounds and leaps this season, establishing himself as one of the most complete midfielders in the league. His pace, stamina and strength are all well-illustrated, while his underrated technical skills are still passing under the radar.

Tanguy Ndombélé – 5.5

The former Lyon man was arguably the least impressive signing of Cristiano Giuntoli’s elusive summer transfer campaign. Most of his appearances came off the bench and his cameos were largely forgettable. Based on what we saw, the management is unlikely to sign him on a permanent basis.

Piotr Zielinski – 7.5

If Lobotka is the creator and Zambo-Anguissa the destroyer, then the Poland international brought the X-Factor to Spalletti’s midfield. With seven goals and 10 assists in all competitions, the 28-year-old’s significance to the cause is undeniable, even if he tends to drift out of the match occasionally.

Eljif Elmas – 7

At times it felt as if the North Macedonian is too versatile for his own good. Central midfielder, box-to-box, right winger, left winger and even false-nine, Spalletti seemingly enjoys thrusting the 23-year-old into a new position with every new outing. To his credit, the player did well to adjust, and his six goals and three assists are a testament to his vast potential, as he remains the manager’s Jack of all Trades and most reliable super-sub.

Gianluca Gaetano – N/A

Hirving Lozano – 6.5

While it was a relatively-positive season for the Mexican, one would have expected him to enjoy himself more in Napoli’s free-flowing attack. While he did well on several occasions, there were some instances where he failed to deliver, especially against packed defenses that left him no space to roam.

Matteo Politano – 7

This season, the Italian proved to be a slight improvement on Lozano, even if the two still had to share the right-wing position. While his impact was nowhere near the likes of Osimhen and Kvara, his elegant touch, sublime crosses and fabulous dribbles still made the difference on some occasions.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 9

What a stunning debut season from the Georgian sensation who presented himself as a cheat code of a winger. Forget about adjustment periods, the 21-year-old has been taring defenses apart since his Serie A debut and his numbers speak volumes. With 12 goals and as many assists, he’s the only player in Italy’s top-flight to hit double digits on both accounts. While his level slightly decreased at the end of the season, the damage had already been done.

Karim Zedadka – N/A

Alessio Zerbin – N/A

Giacomo Raspadori –  7

Due to Kvaratskhelia’s sensational form, the Italian saw his playing time reduced. At times he covered for Osimhen, and although he found occasional success, the target-man role clearly doesn’t suit his characteristics. Nevertheless, the former Sassuolo man still made some important contributions despite his limited time on the pitch, and surely Napoli fans will joyously remember his injury-time winner at the Allianz Stadium for years to come.

Giovanni Simeone – 7

Reminiscent of Raspadori, the Argentine had to accept his part-time role since Osimhen was simply undroppable. But to his credit, he maintained his composure despite the lack of playing time and offered valuable contributions whenever he came on, including winners against Milan and Roma.

Victor Osimhen – 9.5

Simply majestic! Following the departures of Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and Koulibaly, the Nigerian became the heart and soul of this Napoli side, dragging the team forward with his unyielding attitude and enormous determination.

As for the goals, where shall we begin?! The bomber was unplayable inside the box, beating defenders to the ball in the air and on the ground before scoring splendid strikes, including a vicious scorcher against Roma. In the end, it was his equalizer in Udine that secured the club’s third Scudetto, and it wouldn’t have been right any other way.

While Lautaro Martinez is giving him a run for his money, Osimhen will be adamant about finishing as Capocannoniere, while he’ll arguably represent the most convincing case for the Serie A MVP Award at the end of the season.