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Gonzalo Higuain 'as influential as Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo'

Gonzalo Higuain of Napoli
Image: Gonzalo Higuain's goal celebrations this season for Napoli have often appeared defiant rather than joyous

Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain is on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to his manager.

Higuain - who has been reportedly linked with a move to Chelsea should Antonio Conte become the club's permanent manager - has scored 26 goals in 28 games to keep Napoli in the hunt for a first Serie A title since 1990.

The 28-year-old has made headlines for his fiery temper as well as goalscoring exploits, angrily kicking a water bottle after being substituted against Fiorentina and failing to join his team-mates in applauding the fans after last weekend's win over Chievo.

Higuain does not always appear outwardly happy in matches but says that is because of his deep desire to win games
Image: Higuain does not always appear outwardly happy in matches but says that is because of his deep desire to win games

But boss Maurizio Sarri says he is happy to have "angry" Higuain in his ranks if he can keep plundering goals that have lifted his side to within three points of leaders and reigning champions Juventus.

"I don't know and I'm not interested if Higuain was angry," Sarri said, when asked of the player's reaction against Chievo."I only care that he played really well.

Higuain has often reacted angrily to being substituted in games by Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri
Image: Higuain has often reacted angrily to being substituted in games by Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri

"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."

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Gonzalo Higuain (C) of Napoli competes for the ball with Francesco Lodi (L) and Danilo of Udinese.
Image: Higuain has scored 28 goals in all competitions for Napoli this season, a vast improvement on his previous two campaigns

Higuain should lead Napoli's attack when they visit Palermo on Sunday and he acknowledges the part his manager has played in his good form.

Having scored 17 then 18 goals in his first two seasons with the club, there has been a significant upturn since Sarri was appointed at the Stadio San Paolo last summer.

"Sarri has been like a father," Higuain said. "He emphasises my weak points. He immediately told me what he thought of me, both the good and the bad.

Higuain says Sarri has been like a father to him this season at Napoli
Image: Higuain says Sarri has been like a father to him this season at Napoli

"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." 

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