De Bruyne rediscovers his best form as Napoli seek Champions League redemption

Kevin De Bruyne has rediscovered the form that made him one of Europe’s outstanding midfielders after being restricted by a serious muscle injury last year.

The 35-year-old has impressed for both Napoli and Belgium over the past month, with his latest display a two-goal performance in Napoli’s 3-0 win over Frosinone on Saturday.

The quality of the opposition should be considered, but De Bruyne’s influence was clear. Operating as a deep-lying playmaker, he had 71 touches and completed 77.2% of his passes, while scoring the opening and closing goals.

He converted a penalty with his usual composure after Rasmus Hojlund had missed from the spot, and also helped Stanislav Lobotka control Napoli’s passing game.

The performance continued an impressive start to the season. De Bruyne has scored three goals and provided one assist in six appearances for Napoli, while he has two goals and one assist in three Nations League matches for Belgium. He was decisive against both Italy and Turkey.

His two goals against Turkey recalled his Manchester City peak, with one coming from a powerful effort from distance and the other from an inside-foot free-kick near the edge of the penalty area.

It was the first time De Bruyne had scored consecutive braces, a rare achievement in his career. Opta data shows he has produced only 12 multi-goal games in the top five European leagues, with the previous occasion coming in April of 2024, when Manchester City played Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

A key figure for Napoli

De Bruyne’s revival has come at a crucial point for Massimiliano Allegri, who will need his experience and creativity when Napoli visit Villarreal in the Champions League.

His vision and technical ability make him indispensable, even though he is no longer as physically fresh as he was five years ago. The absence of Frank Anguissa and Scott McTominay’s return increase his importance further.

De Bruyne’s own European campaign with Napoli was severely disrupted last season. He was withdrawn midway through the first half on his return to the Etihad after Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off in the opening League Phase match.

He later produced two assists for Hojlund in a 2-1 victory over Sporting at the Maradona, but a thigh injury then ruled him out. Napoli subsequently struggled in Copenhagen, with their play-off hopes left badly damaged.

Recovering at home, De Bruyne watched as his team-mates surrendered both a lead and a numerical advantage after Thomas Delaney was sent off in the 35th minute. McTominay had put Napoli ahead shortly afterwards.

Now Napoli’s visit to Villarreal offers De Bruyne an opportunity to repair some of that damage. Napoli lost their opening home match to an Arsenal side they could not break down, but they have enjoyed important memories at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

During the 2011-12 season, a 2-0 victory secured by Gokhan Inler and Marek Hamsik sent Napoli into the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time.

Napoli have won two Scudetti in the past four seasons and are operating at a higher level, although they are not yet among Europe’s elite. De Bruyne was signed to raise the club’s profile and stature.

At 35, he now has the chance to show that he can still decide major matches on the continent.