Vergara reveals admiration for Zielinski at Napoli: ‘My idol is Messi but he was beautiful to watch’

Napoli youngster Antonio Vergara has spoken about his footballing influences, naming Lionel Messi as his idol but admitting he was especially inspired by watching Piotr Zielinski up close during his early days with the Partenopei.

Speaking on Radio CRC, via TuttoSport, Vergara reflected on his first senior goals and his development under Antonio Conte.

The 23-year-old was thrust into the spotlight this season after an injury crisis at Napoli left Conte’s squad thin.

However, Vergara has impressed, scoring a great goal against Chelsea in the Champions League before scoring again in the 2-1 win over Fiorentina last weekend.

“Dedicating my first goal? I didn’t think about it, I was just happy,” he said.

“My first goal with Chelsea was unexpected, even for me. From the photos you can see my face, I looked shocked. The second goal, the one against Fiorentina, I dedicate to the whole stadium and everyone who was there celebrating with me. It was even more special because we won.”

Vergara revealed that Messi has always been his footballing idol, but highlighted former Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski as a player he loved watching during training sessions with the first team.

“My idol has always been Messi, but when I got older and started training with the Napoli first team, I really liked Piotr Zielinski,” he said.

“He was beautiful to watch. He had this backheel control that everyone knew about, but he still managed to get away from opponents. A very strong player.”

The midfielder explained that he feels most comfortable playing behind the striker, although he has been used in several roles.

“I’ve always played as an attacking midfielder and that’s where I think I can express myself best. But I’ve also played as a mezzala, wing-back, and wide player, I’ve done a bit of everything.”

Vergara also praised Conte’s influence on his game.

“I definitely feel I’ve improved training with Conte, but I’ve always tried to help the team tactically. We work a lot on what we have to do from a tactical point of view, really a lot. The coach asks us to help each other and I try to do that. If he asks me to double up, I try.”

Off the pitch, he highlighted the strong atmosphere in the squad.

“I used to spend a lot of time with Marianucci and Ambrosino, we grew up together, we’ve known each other for 15 years, and with Lucca. I also have a great relationship with Mazzocchi, Spinazzola, Contini, Savic and Di Lorenzo. We are a great group.”

He added that he has a particular tactical understanding with the captain, and was relieved that his injury was not as serious as first feared.

Asked about the pressure of wearing the Napoli shirt, Vergara said he does not feel it weighs on him.

“I don’t feel the weight of the shirt, because it’s like every time I wear it, thousands of other people are wearing it with me. So the weight is shared. It’s like I’m playing for my people, so I don’t feel it.”