De Bruyne’s new Napoli role: Fewer assists, different impact

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 9:14 AM ET

Sky Sport Italia pundits argue that Kevin De Bruyne will provide fewer assists at Napoli as the Belgian star has gone from Manchester City’s ‘chances creator’ to ‘roaming playmaker’ at the Stadio Maradona.

Sky Sport Italia analysed De Bruyne’s stats and performance in his opening nine Napoli appearances as the Partenopei prepare for a Champions League game at PSV after a 1-0 loss against Torino on Saturday.

KDB has scored three goals in seven Serie A games, all from set pieces, providing no assists, while grabbing two assists in two Champions League outings.

The Italian broadcasters noted how De Bruyne has gone from ‘Chance creator’ to ‘Roaming playmaker’, so a player who helps more in the build-up and has more shots on target as well.

Essentially, De Bruyne has taken more overall shots, but is less decisive in terms of assists.

As you can see above, the shooting index is much higher at Napoli than it was at Manchester City, but the ball progression index has decreased.

His position has also changed as he moves more towards the middle of the park and the left wing, where Scott McTominay also operates.

“It’s about the position and the players he has to link up with,” said ex-Inter and Italy defender Beppe Bergomi.

“Today, he can’t go on the right flank because that’s where Matteo Politano plays and where Zambo Anguissa moves. De Bruyne has to move a little, and it becomes more difficult to produce assists. I still think he can have even more shots on target. He had an important chance against Torino from inside the box, but we’ll see fewer assists also because Napoli play differently from Manchester City.”

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: