Belgium boss Roberto Martinez believes that playing in Serie A helps his players to 'grow and mature'.
The former Everton Coach also discussed the recent good form of Napoli's Dries Mertens, and hinted that he thought Radja Nainggolan of Roma needed to be given more freedom on the pitch.
"Nainggolan can occupy all positions in midfield,” Martinez told Corriere dello Sport. He has great qualities that will probably emerge more prominently when he is granted more freedom on the pitch.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez believes that playing in Serie A helps his players to 'grow and mature'.
The former Everton Coach also discussed the recent good form of Napoli's Dries Mertens, and hinted that he thought Radja Nainggolan of Roma needed to be given more freedom on the pitch.
"Nainggolan can occupy all positions in midfield,” Martinez told Corriere dello Sport. He has great qualities that will probably emerge more prominently when he is granted more freedom on the pitch.
"I'm glad that he scored against Milan. I know he also had another goal the week before, against Lazio.
"Call-ups? We’ll see, there is still time for things to happen.
"Mertens? I already know him very well. In fact, i must say that, at this point in his career, he has an excellent level of maturity and a valuable understanding of football. Now he really is at his peak.
"I have used in him in the same False Nine position in the friendly against Holland, in the middle of [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Edin] Hazard.
"It’s in this role where he can be really decisive. The doctors and trainers at Napoli are already in contact, but I also hope to have a chat with [Maurizio] Sarri.
"I love how his team plays. In Italy our players can grow and mature."