A painting of Scott McTominay in a central Napoli shrine emerged this week Tattoos. Flags. Cakes. Kilts. Many nicknames - and 11 goals in a Serie A title challenge. Scott McTominay's impact at Napoli has been huge since his summer move from Manchester United, leading to him instantly becoming a fans' favourite in the football-mad Italian city. He has just been named Serie A player of the month - the first Scot to receive the award - after netting five goals in April. "He's a raider, not a builder," says Naples journalist Vincenzo Credendino. No wonder his former boss at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer,recently told BBC Sport"how you can sell Scott is beyond me". But how has the 28-year-old managed to catch the imagination and adulation of Napoli fans so much - and become such a key cog in Antonio Conte's championship-chasing team? Lancaster-born McTominay had been with United for over 20 years - first attending a soccer school at the club aged five - until his summer departure. It was a mutual decision to leave, for a fee of £25.7m. McTominay wanted a change of scenery, and the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) meant the deal made sense to United. He joined Napoli on the same day as Scotland team-mate Billy Gilmour moved from Brighton for £12m. But the move nearly did not happen. Another midfielder Marco Brescianini was having a medical at Napoli and seemed set to join from Frosinone. But suddenly the Italy international completed a loan move to Atalanta, with an obligation to buy, and Napoli signed McTominay instead. Reports vary on how it all unfolded. Some say Brescianini opted for Atalanta, or Napoli pulled out once McTominay became available, while others say Frosinone tried to change the deal. Whatever happened, it has worked out well for Napoli. A flag in San Ciro's restaurant in Edinburgh has a flag saying 'Napoli. McTominay. Pizza. In that order' McTominay has scored 11 goals in 31 Serie A games for Napoli - netting another one in the Coppa Italia. Five of those 11 league goals came in April, enough to see him win the player of the month award. It also makes him the top-scoring midfielder in Serie A this season along with AC Milan's Christian Pulisic. By comparison, he only bagged 19 goals in 178 Premier League games for United. The success comes from playing more of an attacking central midfield role in Conte's team. In a lot of his time for United and Scotland, he played as a defensive midfielder. "Conte changed his system to put him in the best conditions to play," said Credendino. "In the system of Conte he's not a builder, he's a raider - the best option while you have a number nine like Romelu Lukaku, who today plays - and builds - a lot for the team." McTominay is one of only two midfielders, along with Pulisic, to touch the ball more than 100 times in the opposition penalty area, before this weekend's games. He is also near the top of duels won in Serie A. Credendino added: "You can compare McTominay with the big midfielders of Conte's history. In his first years at Juventus (2011-12 and 2012-13), Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal scored nine and 10 goals respectively. "It's not a coincidence. McTominay is perfect for Conte as Conte is perfect for McTominay." With three games left, Napoli are three points above second-placed Inter Milan as they bid for a fourth title in their history. Champions League finalists Inter visit Torino at 17:00 BST on Sunday, with Napoli hosting Genoa at 19:45. McTominay will receive his April award before that game. Vik-Ink Tattoo in Naples shared an image of a fan with a tattoo of McTominay's nickname on their lower leg Naples is a one-club city, with only a handful of pockets of real success in their history. They really idolise their heroes, most notably Diego Maradona. McTerminator, MacGyver, apribottiglie (the bottle opener) and McFratm are some of the other nicknames McTominay has been called by fans this season. He says McFratm - which roughly translates as McBro in Neapolitan slang - is his favourite, and a fan recently got that name and McTominay's number eight as a tattoo on his leg. There are McTominay birthday cakes and internet memes depicting him as the new Pope. "I saw the passionate fans, I saw the coach, I saw the players and I saw an opportunity,"McTominay told BBC Scotland in December. "I took it, I didn't look back. It didn't take me long to make the decision because I knew that was what I wanted and I'll never have any regrets in my life. As soon as I put my mind to something I want to do it, that's it. There's no holding me back. "I love this place, I love the fans, I love my team-mates." San Ciro's restaurant in Edinburgh have a Scotland flag up with the words 'Napoli. McTominay. Pizza. In that order'. That says a lot for a pizza restaurant. Brothers Ciro and Santo Sartore, who were born and raised in Scotland to Neapolitan parents, run the restaurant together. About McTominay's popularity, Ciro said: "In my opinion, it's because of how well he has taken to Napoli. "Napoli fans love when a player commits to the city, and him kissing the Napoli badge shows how much the love and appreciation means to him. Obviously, scoring a lot of goals helps too." A shrine emerged to McTominay in San Nicola a Nilo this week. "Napoli fans could not be happier - he is the symbol of the attitude of this Napoli, with his intensity and sacrifice in every game," added journalist Credendino. "This is something the fans appreciate a lot, as they liked his kiss on the shirt in the match against Palermo in September and the fact he is learning Italian and even Neapolitan." And another way to make himself popular with Napoli and Italian fans? Praising their tomatoes. McTominay told the Athletic,externalrecently: "Oh my goodness, the tomatoes. I never ate them at home, they're just red water. "Here, they actually taste like tomatoes. Now I eat them as a snack. I eat all the vegetables, all of the fruits. It is all so fresh. It's incredible."
How 'raider' McTominay became a Napoli icon
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Scott McTominay Emerges as a Beloved Figure at Napoli Following Transfer from Manchester United"
Bbc News
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
Scott McTominay has made an extraordinary impact at Napoli since his transfer from Manchester United, quickly becoming a fan favorite in the vibrant Italian city. His move, worth £25.7 million, came after over 20 years at United, and he has since scored 11 goals in Serie A, with five of those coming in April alone. This impressive performance earned him the Serie A Player of the Month award, marking him as the first Scottish player to receive this accolade. McTominay's role at Napoli has shifted significantly compared to his time in the Premier League, where he primarily played as a defensive midfielder. Under the guidance of coach Antonio Conte, he has thrived in a more offensive central midfield position, allowing him to showcase his abilities as a 'raider,' a term used by local journalist Vincenzo Credendino to describe his playing style. His contributions have not only bolstered Napoli's title challenge but also drawn comparisons to legendary midfielders from Conte's past achievements at Juventus.
The affection shown by Napoli fans towards McTominay is reflected in various forms, from tattoos and flags to cakes celebrating his achievements. The city's deep-rooted football culture has fostered a special bond between the player and its supporters, with McTominay embracing his new life by learning Italian and Neapolitan. His dedication to the team and connection to the local culture has resonated with fans, who appreciate his commitment, particularly his gestures of affection such as kissing the Napoli badge. As Napoli pushes for its fourth Serie A title, McTominay's influence continues to grow, both on and off the pitch, solidifying his status as a key figure in the club's current chapter. His recognition extends beyond his goal-scoring, as he has become emblematic of the team's intensity and passion, qualities that Napoli supporters hold dear. The blend of his performance and his willingness to immerse himself in the local culture has made McTominay a beloved figure in Naples, illustrating how a player's adaptability and commitment can endear them to a passionate fanbase.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights Scott McTominay's remarkable transition from Manchester United to Napoli, where he has quickly become a fan favorite and an icon in the football-crazed city. Through his impressive performance, including 11 goals in Serie A, McTominay's impact on the team and its supporters is emphasized. The narrative explores how his move was mutually beneficial and reflects on the circumstances surrounding his transfer, suggesting a broader commentary on player mobility and fan culture in football.
Cultural Significance of McTominay's Move
Scott McTominay's transfer to Napoli is not just a career shift; it symbolizes a cultural exchange between English and Italian football. His immediate acceptance by Napoli fans, demonstrated through tattoos, flags, and local memorabilia, indicates a deep connection formed based on performance and personality. The article suggests that McTominay has embraced the local culture, aligning himself with the passionate football culture in Naples, which contributes to his idol status.
Public Perception and Fan Engagement
The narrative illustrates how McTominay has captured the hearts of Napoli supporters, largely due to his playing style described as "a raider, not a builder." This phrase conveys a certain dynamism and excitement that fans appreciate. By focusing on his contributions to the team and the emotional responses from fans, the article paints a picture of a player who has not only adapted but thrived in a new environment, fostering a positive public perception.
Implications of Player Transfers
The piece touches on the financial implications of McTominay's transfer, noting the mutual benefits for both him and Manchester United. This aspect reflects the ongoing changes within football, particularly concerning financial regulations like the Profitability and Sustainability Rules. The mention of Napoli's strategy in signing him after another deal fell through portrays a tactical maneuvering in the transfer market, indicative of the modern football landscape where adaptability is key.
Influence on Football Communities
The article caters to a specific demographic of football fans who appreciate narratives of player resilience and cultural integration. Supporters of Napoli and those interested in player dynamics within the sport will likely find this story appealing. Furthermore, it resonates with a broader audience that values the personal growth stories of athletes in foreign leagues.
Market Relevance
While the article centers on a sports narrative, it indirectly touches on economic aspects, such as transfer fees and player valuations, which could be of interest to investors following sports clubs and their financial health. However, it is unlikely to have a direct impact on stock markets, as it primarily focuses on individual performance rather than corporate financials.
Potential Manipulation and Bias
The piece seems to celebrate McTominay's achievements without delving into any controversies or negative aspects of his transfer. This omission may suggest a biased portrayal aimed at generating a positive image of both the player and the club. Although the article primarily focuses on his accomplishments, the lack of a balanced view could be interpreted as a form of manipulation, creating a narrative that aligns with fan sentiments while glossing over complexities.
In conclusion, the article presents a largely favorable and uplifting account of Scott McTominay's integration into the Napoli team and community, portraying his journey as one filled with triumph and acceptance. While it successfully highlights the player's impact, the selective portrayal of events raises questions about the completeness of the narrative.