Naples – Napoli manager Antonio Conte believes Scott McTominay‘s diminished impact this season stems from a shift in perception: the Scottish midfielder is no longer an unexpected threat. After a breakout debut season following his transfer from Manchester United, McTominay is facing increased scrutiny and tactical adjustments from opposing teams.
McTominay arrived at Napoli as a relatively unknown quantity and quickly became a key player, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists to help secure the 2024/25 Scudetto. Though, at the start of the 2025/26 season, his performance has dipped, with one goal and one assist in six league appearances. Conte attributes this change to opponents now being acutely aware of McTominay’s capabilities and actively working to neutralize him, a situation exacerbated by a tactical shift that has sometimes seen McTominay deployed on the left wing following the arrival of kevin de Bruyne.
“It’s very easy, his status has now changed,” Conte told TuttoNapoli.”He was the best player in the league last season. When he arrived, he didn’t play much at Manchester United. He came here as an underdog with something to prove. Now his status is diffrent and the attention he receives, even from opponents preparing to face him, is completely different. It’s as simple as that.”
Conte further explained that McTominay’s success last season was partly due to his ability to adapt to various formations, including playing with two strikers and in a 4-3-3 system. “Last season he adapted to everything…now opponents see him differently, and naturally they make tactical adjustments to limit him,” Conte said.
