Lobotka: The Napoli star that Barcelona legends Xavi and Fabregas would love to coach | OneFootball

Napoli star Stanislav Lobotka was praised by Como coach Cesc Fabregas on Friday, similar to what his ex-Barcelona teammate Xavi had done last season.

Lobotka is contributing to Napoli’s impressive results this season and is one of Antonio Conte’s untouchables at the Stadio Maradona.

As reported by Sofascore, the 29-year-old has had 89% accurate passes in Serie A this term, 92% in his own half and 87% in the opposition half. The deep-lying playmaker has averaged 63.3 touches per game, providing one assist in a Coppa Italia match.

Como boss Fabregas praised the 29-year-old after Napoli’s 3-1 win over the Azzurri on Friday.

Lobotka: The Napoli star that Barcelona legends Xavi and Fabregas would love to coach

“Napoli have many players who won the league, like Lobotka. Please, give me Lobotka. What a player, Mamma Mia,” Fabregas said, as quoted by Corriere dello Sport.

“He is marvellous,” continued the former midfielder.

“Players like this make you win games for their ability to understand football and recover many balls. I go crazy for players like this.”

Those who follow Napoli closely know that Lobotka is no new to being praised by midfield legends, especially from Barcelona.

Even in an unfavourable Napoli season like 2023-24, the talented regista was complimented by ex-Catalans boss Xavi before a Champions League knock-out game.

“I like Lobotka; he is good in the build-up and doesn’t lose possession,” he said this past March.

“I’d like to see him in a club like Barça.”

Xavi’s appreciation also led to transfer talks involving Lobotka’s entourage and Barcelona a few months ago, but the Catalans’ financial struggles and Conte’s desire to keep the player in Naples made the deal impossible to complete.

Lobotka said last month that he was among the players Conte didn’t want to sell when he was appointed last summer.