Kevin De Bruyne scores twice and adapts to a deeper role before Napoli face Villarreal

Kevin De Bruyne is enjoying his best spell since joining Napoli. The Belgian midfielder, criticized for months over his lack of consistency and poor relationship with Antonio Conte, responded with a brace in the 3-0 victory over Frosinone and now heads into the Champions League tie against Villarreal in top form. His performance came from a new role, closer to the base of midfield and with less attacking freedom than usual.

• De Bruyne scored twice in Napoli's 3-0 win over Frosinone.
• He played deeper than usual, next to Lobotka in Allegri's 1-3-4-2-1 system.
• The Belgian has now recorded three goals and one assist since Allegri arrived.
• Allegri believes the new role could add two years to De Bruyne's career.
• Napoli visit Villarreal in the Champions League with De Bruyne as their main attacking threat.

De Bruyne's brace against Frosinone changes the story of his season

The former Manchester City player opened the scoring in the 29th minute, calmly converting the penalty that Rasmus Hojlund had just missed. Deep into stoppage time, in the 94th, he appeared at the far post to tap in a low cross from Giovane and complete the 3-0 win. It was his most complete display in a Napoli shirt and further proof that the change on the bench has done wonders for him.

De Bruyne's new deeper role, Allegri's tactical bet

Allegri positioned De Bruyne next to Lobotka in the double pivot, an area where the Belgian is not used to playing. Far from looking uncomfortable, the midfielder delivered a more involved and rounded performance. The Italian coach explained it clearly after the match: he believes De Bruyne can become an even better player in that position and extend his career at the highest level.

He is an extraordinary player. If he starts playing as a deeper midfielder, he will improve even more. I told him: you could extend your career by a couple of years if you play in that position, but he doesn't love it — he prefers to enjoy himself further forward.

De Bruyne himself admitted it was a different role to the one he has played throughout his career, but he had no complaints: the schedule is demanding and he is ready to adapt to whatever the team needs. That attitude is a world away from the tension that marked his final months under Conte.

De Bruyne rediscovers his football after the Conte era

De Bruyne's first season at Napoli got off to a difficult start. Injuries stopped him from finding rhythm and his relationship with Antonio Conte never clicked. He managed just five goals and four assists in 21 matches, numbers far removed from his best version. The Belgian did not hide his relief when the Italian coach left the dugout and even cast doubt over his future at the end of last season.

Everything has changed under Allegri. De Bruyne feels valued, understands his role better and is showing it on the pitch. In just a few games he has recovered feelings that had been missing for months and now has three goals and one assist. His renewed confidence comes at a time when Napoli, despite an inconsistent start in Serie A, remain fully focused on fighting for the Scudetto.

What is at stake for Napoli against Villarreal in the Champions League

The knockout tie against Villarreal arrives at the best moment of De Bruyne's Napoli career. The Italian side face the European test needing to make a statement, and their star arrives in red-hot form. The schedule gives no respite, and Allegri must decide whether to keep the Belgian in that deeper role or restore his creative freedom closer to the opposition box.

Meanwhile, De Bruyne has moved to dismiss any talk of a transfer. He insists he never considered leaving Napoli in the summer and that his words were misunderstood. What is certain is that, under the new coaching staff, he has regained his smile and also the competitive level that once made him one of the best midfielders in world football.