Napoli coach Antonio Conte has showered encomiums on midfielder Scott McTominay following his impressive performances for the club.
McTominay joined the club from Manchester United in the summer, and has been one of their key players as they target a second Serie A title in three years.
Napoli are three points clear of defending champions Inter Milan with four matches to go.
McTominay has scored five goals in his last three league matches, and 11 overall in Serie A.
Conte has hailed the Scotland midfielder’s contributions to the team.
He said: “He feels more complete and knowledgeable and he’s reaching a key stage in his career where he needs to decide his direction. He never had a primary role at Man United, while here we gave him one.
“He’s worked hard and now he’s a complete player. His improvement has been shared by the whole team. Otherwise, it would be hard to explain how we’ve earned 74 points.”
Conte is threading the path of caution in the Serie A title race as he closes in on his fifth title as a coach in Italy.
He said: “We know it would be exceptional, but we haven’t done anything yet. I know football well and we need to remain focused.
“I’ve won a few Scudetti and right now we’re trying to do something unimaginable, incredible, something that could definitely bring huge excitement to the club and the city … and it would be exceptional.
“But we haven’t achieved anything yet. I know football and it demands great focus.
“My message to everyone around the club is: stay united. Whatever happens tomorrow, there will still be three matches left, and we have a solid base – we’ll be in the Champions League next season and that’s important.
“Today we’re fighting for the Scudetto and that should be a source of pride and joy. After just two years, Napoli are back competing for the top prize.”
Napoli will take on Lecce on Saturday while Inter Milan will be in action against Verona.
