Dries Mertens praises record Napoli signing Victor Osimhen, enjoys his new tactical role and assures ‘Italy and Napoli changed me.’

The Belgium international will face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League tomorrow, having previously scored five goals against them, including a hat-trick for FC Utrecht in 2011.

“I was a kid then and I am no longer the same person who scored a hat-trick for Utrecht against PSV. Italy and Napoli changed me,” Mertens told Sky Sport Italia as cited by Football Italia.

He went from winger to centre-forward and now into a new deeper role behind €80m signing Osimhen.

“I am still getting used to this role, but I am enjoying myself. I like training, the coach asks for a lot from us and we can see our performances improving.

“I am not surprised Osimhen is doing so well, as if you pay that much money for a player, it means he must be pretty good… The truth is, he has the potential to grow a great deal.”