Rafa Benitez reveals how De Bruyne can elevate Napoli and calms concerns on age

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Sam Wilson | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 12:59 PM ET

Former Napoli head coach Rafa Benitez has described Kevin De Bruyne as “pure light”, praising the Belgian star as “an elegant player who fills the pitch with his intelligence.”

Speaking in an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, with quotes via IlNapolista, Benitez was full of superlatives to describe the new Napoli signing, after the 34-year-old left Manchester City this summer to join Antonio Conte’s side on a free transfer.

Benitez described coming up against De Bruyne whilst the Belgian was playing for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg and the coach was in charge at Napoli: “He was already a predestined talent, it was easy to see. And his career then confirmed that. He has a trophy cabinet where nothing is missing. But above all, he has an authority that is an absolute guarantee.”

Benitez: Here’s what De Bruyne will bring to Napoli

When asked what De Bruyne will bring to this Napoli side, Benitez revealed that “He joins a team that knows it is strong – as proven by the Scudetto won two months ago. He brings not only experience but also undeniable talent that age cannot diminish.”

At 34, De Bruyne will be one of the oldest players in the Napoli squad and certainly one of the older players that Napoli will sign for Antonio Conte. The club are putting an increasing effort into signing players with room to develop, as they aim to make use of Conte’s skill as a coach and keep a concerted eye on the future.

Some fans are concerned that De Bruyne’s age is a big gamble but Benitez was quick to try and put them at ease. “Thirty-four years old may seem a point of debate for some but players have extended their careers and continue to endure. And then De Bruyne, who you need only look at his most recent stats, comes off an intense season in which he never held back: his forty appearances and his performances prove it.”

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

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