Rafa Benitez has defended Gonzalo Higuain after the Argentina international’s slow start to the season for Napoli.
Higuain was Napoli’s top scorer last season, with 17 goals in 32 Serie A matches, but the former Real Madrid man has failed to find the target in three League games so far this season.
However, his Coach insists that he is happy with the striker’s contribution this term.
Rafa Benitez has defended Gonzalo Higuain after the Argentina international’s slow start to the season for Napoli.
Higuain was Napoli’s top scorer last season, with 17 goals in 32 Serie A matches, but the former Real Madrid man has failed to find the target in three League games so far this season.
However, his Coach insists that he is happy with the striker’s contribution this term.
“He has started very well, just like he did last year. He has scored fewer goals, but has played very well, such as against Sparta Prague,” Benitez has told reporters today.
Benitez, who discussed his rotation policy and Napoli’s poor luck, considered his unusual decision at the weekend to field Juan Zuniga in midfield against Udinese.
“Zuniga played inside, leaving space on the wing for Maggio. And in fact, we got many crosses into the box, the area where Gonzalo [Higuain] and also Michu and Lorenzo [Insigne] can arrive.
“I think in the Udinese game we showed more balance. They didn’t create anything. We lacked cutting edge against Chievo.”
After 1-0 defeats to both Udinese and Chievo, Napoli sit 15th in Serie A with only one win from three.