Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has suggested it may take Axel Tuanzebe some time to adapt to his new club and the league.
The defender joined the Serie A club on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the season, having had his stay at Aston Villa cut short.
It’s been a frustrating season for Tuanzebe, who made just 11 appearances in all competitions during the first half of the campaign at Villa Park, with just a couple of cameo appearances from the bench following Steven Gerrard’s arrival as manager.
Having been recalled by United before heading out to Italy, the next few months could prove crucial for Tuanzebe if he is to hold onto his ambitions of breaking into United’s first team.
Now 24, and with his contract expiring in 2023, the defender will need to show he can make himself a regular fixture in Napoli’s side for the remainder of the season.
He made his debut for the club from the bench on Sunday as he helped his new club see out a 1-0 win over Sampdoria, but his new manager isn’t making any guarantees for the remainder of the campaign.
Spalletti told TMW : “Axel is a physical player, who can go and mark a player. He is a high-level footballer, then he will have to know things and our league which is not easy for anyone.
“However, he has some qualities and at this moment here he can be a very comfortable alternative, he plays often and every now and then must be replaced.”
Fortunately for Tuanzebe, he seems to have settled in well in his temporary home, having posted on Instagram to show off some of his Italian, while his team-mates have been full of praise.
Fellow defender Faouzi Ghoulam said: “We have already talked to him. Fortunately he also speaks French, so we can help him. He’s a good boy and he will give us a great hand.”
Amir Rrahmani added: “He’s a strong defender. We need him too as we need everyone.”
