Marek Hamšík never performs in the big games. He never shows up when Napoli needs him the most. He may wear the armband, but he’s not a real leader. Yes, you’ve read that somewhere online, or heard it during one of the Napoli games. It’s a popular theory, but it’s also a wrong one.
Higuain had a hat-trick, but Hamšík proved his worth in 6-2 Napoli win
In their 6-2 win over Verona, Napoli were reminded just how much they need Marek Hamšík to be great.
Hamšík has had a rough year. He struggled in finding out how to fit into the new system required by Rafa Benítez, and an injury last season did nothing to help. But, despite going eleven months without a goal at the San Paolo, Hamšík remained captain of his side, and his new manager kept his faith in him. Even the fans, who have created quite a hostile atmosphere in recent weeks, never turned on the man they call Marekiaro.
On Sunday night, the reasons for the faith given to Hamšík, the trust put in him as a leader, were finally evident. After a miserable start to the season, Napoli were down 1-0 to the visiting Hellas Verona. Unable to shake their nerves, they made plenty of mistakes and misplaced more than a few passes.
But as the game progressed, Napoli's captain grew in confidence. He began orchestrating the game, creating chances and involving himself in others. By the end of the first half, the Verona goalkeeper was under constant fire.
Yet despite the constant pressure from the hosts, they couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net, and the crowd grew restless, ready to once again start whistling the players off the pitch. But that’s exactly when Hamšík put in the equalizer.
It was, perhaps, the most perfectly timed goal of the season. It not only calmed the crowd, but sent the players into the dressing room with some much needed confidence.
Hamšík’s relief was evident as he celebrated the goal, and when the team came back, it was clear that he was the one in charge. During the second half he was dominating the midfield, the most dangerous player of the partenopei. His second goal, less than fifteen minutes after the restart, really came as no surprise.
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But the real test came after Verona’s equalizer in the 66th minute. Many teams in Napoli’s situation would lose it after conceding so shortly after their goal. Most of the fans accepted that the result would be a draw.
Hamšík, however, had other ideas. He took control of his team once more, and within two minutes, Gonzalo Higuaín had opened his Serie A account for the season. Hamšík then went on to add the assist for the fourth goal, scored by José Callejón. By the end of the night, Higuaín had scored two more, and Napoli had come from behind to win 6-2.
But while Higuaín may have had the hat-trick, it was Hamšík’s performance that was more crucial. There’s no denying that Napoli is at their best when Hamšík is in form. Big teams have the ability to win even when their key players aren’t performing. Napoli managed that last season, but if they are to challenge for the top spots in Serie A, they need Hamšík like he was tonight. Orchestrating the side, shooting from all angles, and once again scoring goals.
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