Sosa: Højlund Needs Stronger Competition Than Lucca at Napoli

What happened

Former Napoli striker Roberto Sosa has argued that Rasmus Højlund cannot develop at the club while Lorenzo Lucca is his only rival for a starting place, and he would welcome a January move for Monza's Gustavo Varela. Football Italia reported that Sosa, nicknamed 'Pampa', made the comments on Radio Marte, as cited by Areanapoli.

Report details

Sosa's reasoning centred on training rather than matchday alone. He said Højlund cannot play every game and that the Dane needs to be tested in the week against a strong competitor if he is to improve. He questioned how Højlund could progress while competing with Lucca, suggesting the arrangement might benefit Lucca instead. Sosa also doubted Lucca would be a guaranteed starter if he moved to Lecce, amid expectations that Lucca will leave Napoli on loan.

The backdrop is scrutiny of Lucca, whom Troy Deeney described earlier in the week as "one of the worst strikers I've ever seen", according to the report. Sosa was asked whether Varela would be the right January signing and said it was easy to answer yes. He described the Monza forward as a useful addition who would increase competition up front and raise Højlund's level, while adding that he likes Højlund but is not convinced the Dane can score eight to 10 goals in the coming games.

Football Italia reported that Napoli have already contacted Varela's representatives. The forward leads Serie A with nine goals and has just received his first Portugal call-up. The report also noted that Højlund missed a clear chance from two yards in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Lazio. The Varela and Lucca developments are presented as reporting rather than confirmed club announcements.