Napoli’s recent loan acquisition, Brazilian winger Alisson Santos, is being tipped for immediate impact at the Italian club, with his former coach Silas suggesting the 22-year-old could even eclipse AC Milan star Rafael Leao in certain aspects of the game.
Alisson joined the Azzurri on loan from Sporting CP until the end of the season, with an option for the Italian side to make the deal permanent. His move comes amid growing expectations in Serie A, where Napoli are targeting domestic and European success.
Silas, who coached Alisson at União Leiria, told TMW: “I think he’s a bit different from Rafa, even if they have some similarities. If Leao finds space on the wing or behind the defense, he can be very dangerous.
“Alisson too, but I think he can be even more dangerous closer to the penalty area, even with less space available. In this respect, he might already be more dangerous than Leao, with his very powerful shot and dribbling ability.”
Highlighting Alisson’s standout qualities, Silas added: “Dribbling and shooting. Whenever he gets the ball in the final third of the pitch, especially as a left winger, he’s focused on goal and shooting. He’s good with both his right and left foot. And he can provide assists.”
Despite the high praise, Silas cautioned that fans should allow time for the winger to adapt. “I think people will have to be patient for a short period, after which he can make a difference, even with 10 minutes at his disposal,” he said.
Alisson’s versatility, lethal finishing, and ability to create opportunities from both feet suggest he could become a key figure for Napoli, potentially offering a fresh attacking edge that challenges the dominance of peers like Rafael Leao in Serie A’s high-paced wide roles.
