Angry Gonzalo Higuain has led Napoli's challenge for their first Serie A title since 1990 with a remarkable 26 goals in 28 league games, yet he does not seem to have enjoyed a single moment of it.
A bear with a sore head
Higuain, an out-and-out striker who can safely be described as an old-fashioned No 9, stomps around the field with an expression that suggests he is carrying the whole world on his shoulders.
There is always something for him to gesticulate angrily about, whether it be a refereeing decision, a teammate failing to pass him the ball or his coach deciding to substitute him.
Acts of defiance
In his last outings, he kicked a water bottle over in disgust after being substituted at Fiorentina and then failed to join his teammates in saluting the crowd following Saturday’s 3-1 win over Chievo, despite scoring in both games.
His goal celebrations invariably involve thumping his chest and seem to be more an act of defiance than a show of joy.
On Messi and Ronaldo’s level
As long as he keeps scoring, however, coach Maurizio Sarri is happy for the tantrums and grumpiness to continue.
“I don’t know and I’m not interested if Higuain was angry,” Sarri said after the Chievo game.
“I only care that he played really well. He’s in another class and influences the team, just like Lionel Messi influences Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo influences Real Madrid. We’re not at the same level as those teams but he is at the same level as those players.”
Sarri ‘has been like a father’
Although he scored regularly in his first two seasons at Napoli, notching 17 and then 18, it is only Sarri’s arrival this season which has brought out the best in Higuain.
“Sarri has been like a father,” Higuain said recently. “He emphasises my weak points; he immediately told me what he thought of me, both the good and the bad. But he has shown me all his faith.
“I appreciate the fact that he is an honest man who likes to see us play good football. I don’t think I can change overnight.
“I have a strong character, because I always like to win. That’s why I often react the way I do.”
Napoli, who are second in Serie A and trail leaders Juventus by three points, visit Palermo on Sunday.
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