Napoli

Maurizio Sarri: 'Gonzalo Higuain best striker in world'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 22 December 2015

"Sensitive" Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain is the best central striker in the world, according to Maurizio Sarri, head coach of the Italian side.

Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri has said that there is not a better centre-forward in world football than Gonzalo Higuain.

The Argentine has scored 16 league goals this season and 71 in total for the Italian side since making the move from Real Madrid in 2013.

The 28-year-old's character has been called into question in the past, but Sarri has claimed that the striker is "a man with genuine feelings".

"He's sensitive and up to now he has projected an image which isn't in line with his character. He's not only the best striker in the world but he's a man with genuine feelings. In the second half [of the 3-1 win against Atalanta] he responded with a double and I could feel all the lads sharing in it," Sarri told Corriere dello Sport.

"I have to say, I lead a special group. Gonzalo can be a bit sensitive, and it shows, but it's just enough to strike the right chord. A champion of his ability sometimes just needs to feel close to those around him."

Higuain managed 121 goals in 264 games for Real Madrid between 2006 and 2013, and his scoring record for Napoli is better than one goal in every two games.