Juan Jesus spoke highly about his Napoli teammate Kim Min-Jae and underlined the maturity of Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Both players joined Luciano Spalletti’s side in the summer transfer window, being key figures in the club’s rejuvenation process, replacing previous mainstays Kalidou Koulibaly and Lorenzo Insigne. Both have immediately adapted to Napoli’s system and are important parts of a squad who are still undefeated after 16 games across Serie A and the Champions League.
Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, Juan Jesus first discussed if this Napoli squad is the strongest team he’s played for in his career.
“I can’t say they’re the strongest because one year at Roma we had a very strong team and it’s a pity we didn’t win trophies that year there, with Totti, De Rossi, Strootman, Salah, Alisson, Perotti, El Shaarawy, Emerson, Gerson.
“A very strong team. Not that Napoli’s isn’t, we have young, strong guys. They are different years and these are two good teams.”
He gave his thoughts on teammate Kim.
“He’s a very powerful player, strong up front and also technically. He’s impressing everyone. He’s not someone from a team that everyone knows, no one had seen him play before. It was very good of director Giuntoli to go and fish him out.”
Finally, Juan Jesus discussed the maturity of the 21-year-old Kvaratskhelia following his arrival in the summer.
“Today it doesn’t count on being a certain age for experience. In football you grow up and become a man much earlier, we have responsibilities to take care of many things, starting with the family. You become a man earlier, so you have to have personality and character.”
Napoli currently sit top of the Serie A table after 11 games, picking up 29 points from nine wins and two draws. The team have already booked their spot in the Champions League knock-out stages, topping Group A with 15 points.
hes been very good, no doubt napoli are the most inform team in europe, hands off to you lot, lets swap kim for bonucci, Khvicha for cuardado, lets swap managers
Got to hand it to Napoli. A cheapskate president but shrewd and wise operator at finding real talent. Kim might be destined for bigger things. Love the Koreans. A nation of hard workers, focused and disciplined people. No surprise if you look at Sonaldo. The bush leaguers could learn a thing or two about due diligence and how to acquire talent.