Last Sunday Napoli arrived at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome knowing that a victory over Lazio would leapfrog them into the much coveted Champions League qualifying berth. However, as they set up to take on one of Serie A’s in-form sides, one man was notable by his absence from the starting lineup: Marek Hamsik.
At 27 years old the playmaker should be approaching the peak of his powers and playing a crucial role in bringing success back to a city whose fans are desperate to taste a first Scudetto since Diego Maradona’s heyday in the late 80s early 90s.
Sought-after by some of Europe’s major clubs — particularly from the English Premier League — when Rafael Benitez arrived as coach in 2013 the Slovakian remained at the San Paolo despite Edinson Cavani’s departure, and headed the charge to wrestle the Serie A title from Juventus.
However, the reality is that despite a positive start under Benitez — scoring five times in six games — he has fallen into a state of average mediocrity as teammates such as Jose Callejon, Gonzalo Higuain and Dries Mertens have overtaken him as the key men for Napoli.
Although injury did disrupt Hamsik’s 2013-14 campaign, he has completed 90 minutes in just 10 matches over the last 18 months compared to having done so in 60 per cent of games since arriving in 2007.
As an attacking force the statistics are equally damning to his reputation. Despite of a stunning strike in the Coppa Italia against Udinese on Thursday night, his contributions have plummeted from a goal every three games in all competitions to one-in-five.
Too often has Hamsik not been able to be relied upon this season.
However, you have to question what is there for him in Naples anymore? On the other hand, the Partenopei are hardly pushing the former Brescia man out the exit door. After all, the money from his transfer fee could easily be redistributed towards reinforcing the squad; but, most importantly, pastures new could be just wait Hamsik needs to reinvigorate his career.
With the Juventus juggernaut gathering pace and looking destined for a fourth straight Scudetto, Napoli seem as far away from the title as any time in recent years. Hamsik’s contributions in the Coppa Italia successes of 2012 and 2014 will always be fondly appreciated, in spite of the recent jeers directed at him.
Reportedly offered to numerous Premier League clubs by agent Juraj Venglos, there have been many mixed messages regarding where Hamsik sees his future; one moment seemingly being hawked around Europe and the one “focused on winning more silverware with Napoli.”
Regardless of whether he can recapture the form that catapulted him into the viewfinders of Europe’s top clubs though, neither Hamsik nor Napoli should cling to the hope that it will return in Naples with him clearly on a downward spiral.
Like a love that has faded to a mere flickering friendship, it is time for both parties to let go, allowing each other to go in their separate ways and take comfort in the hope that your once cherished partner will flourish again as they first did alongside you.
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
