Former Napoli Forward Claims Scott McTominay Is ‘One Of The Top Three Midfielders In Europe’ As Gli Azzurri Prepare For Chelsea Showdown

Scott McTominay has been labeled as “one of the top three midfielders in Europe” ahead of Napoli’s Champions League clash against Chelsea. 

The claim was made by former Gli Azzurri forward Goran Pandev. The Macedonian legend represented the Neapolitans between 2012-2014.

During his time in Naples, Pandev won two Coppa Italia titles. He also won the competition with Lazio and most notably, landed the treble with Inter Milan in 2010.

The former Serie A star is well versed with identifying talent having played alongside some of the world’s greatest during his heyday.

Now, the 42-year-old has heaped praise on McTominay prior to the Gli Azzurri’s crunch encounter against the Premier League giants on Wednesday (January 28).

Scott McTominay. 8⃣ pic.twitter.com/hEdfQBHlLP

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA) January 13, 2026

Scott McTominay Praised By Goran Pandev

“Napoli are going through an unprecedented moment. It’s inevitably a team in difficulty, but I believe in them,” Pandev told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Anyone who has one of the top three midfielders in Europe, and I’m referring to McTominay, can allow themselves to feel confident within.

“Chelsea are a very good team, but Conte knows how to win. The Maradona can carry the team along; the rest will be done by Hojlund.”

Scott McTominay’s Napoli Stats And Accolades

After his stunning exploits in his debut season, a new Scott McTominay Napoli contract is being prepared. Which comes as little surprise owing to his tremendous 2024-25 campaign.

Not only did the Scottish star score 12 league goals which helped fire Gli Azzurri to the Scudetto, McTominay also earned a number of personal accolades.

He was named as Serie A’s MVP – the first Scot to ever achieve the award. Furthermore, McTominay earned a place in the Serie A Team of the Season and Serie A Team of the Year.

The midfield maestro also collected the Serie A Footballer of the Year gong. He also won two Serie A Goal of the Month awards (May 2025, October 2025) as well as the Serie A Player of the Month (April 2025).

All in all, McTominay has scored 22 times in 67 appearances for Napoli and provided 10 assists. He also helped Antonio Conte’s side to the 2025-26 Supercoppa Italiana in December.

What Napoli Need To Qualify From The Champions League

With Chelsea waiting in the wings, Napoli’s Champions League revenue has become a valid talking point in the build up to the match. Especially as failure to qualify has huge financial bearings.

Gli Azzurri are in a precarious league position and are just outside the playoffs via goal difference. Therefore, achieving a positive result is vital.

Antonio Conte’s side could lose out on approximately €25million if they can’t finish in 24th place or above (and progress to the knock outs). Automatic qualification isn’t possible so the play-offs are the best Antonio Conte can hope for.

If the Serie A champions draw, the outcome of other results will determine their final position. A victory will ensure they do finish in the play-off zone.

Only if one of Galatasaray, Qarabag, Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco, PSV, Athletic Bilbao or Olympiacos fails to win. Which statistically, sits massively in the Italians favor.

That would generate much-needed funds which in turn, can help in signing more players before the transfer window shuts. If Napoli progresses to the Round of 16, that will generate at least an extra €11-13m.

Wednesday’s task hasn’t been made easy with the number of injuries the Neapolitans currently have. However, with Scott McTominay in their ranks, Napoli can remain quietly confident.