Mertens: ‘I don’t fear competition’

New buy Dries Mertens assures he is “not afraid of competition” in the Napoli midfield.

The Belgian international joined from PSV Eindhoven for €9.7m and was one of the first major reinforcements for Rafa Benitez.

New buy Dries Mertens assures he is “not afraid of competition” in the Napoli midfield.

The Belgian international joined from PSV Eindhoven for €9.7m and was one of the first major reinforcements for Rafa Benitez.

“I am not afraid of competition,” he told Belgian newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen.

“Benitez was determined to sign me, he knows my qualities and I will be able to make my mark here.

“There are some great players at Napoli and I’ll try to give my best, just as I did at PSV. It wouldn’t be a problem if I sat on the bench a few times, as I’m sure I won’t lose my place in the Belgium side.”