Noa Lang arrives at Napoli to revolutionize the forward line. The Dutch attacker signs for the Italian club for €28 million with the ambition of leading them to another year of Serie A dominance. What are his qualities, and how will he fit into the team? Let’s break it down below.
Who is Noa Lang?
Born in Capelle aan den IJssel (Netherlands) on June 17, 1999, Noa Noëll Lang is a Dutch left winger with a market value of €25 million. Right-footed, he stands 173 cm tall and weighs 70 kg.
He began his youth career at a very young age, passing through clubs such as HION, Nantes, Besiktas, and Feyenoord. Ajax was the club that eventually elevated him from the youth ranks to professional football, where he remained until 2021, including loan spells at Twente and Club Brugge.
It was in Belgium where he made his breakthrough, impressing during his loan spell at Club Brugge. A year later, he was signed permanently for around €6 million. Following his strong performances, he returned to the Netherlands in 2023, when PSV acquired him for €12.5 million.
Over the past season, Lang elevated his game to new levels: 14 goals and 12 assists in 44 matches. His emergence convinced reigning Serie A champions Napoli to invest around €28 million in his signing. Now, the question is how he will adapt to Antonio Conte’s system.
A More Than Complete Winger
Noa Lang boasts outstanding attacking qualities. His style is aggressive, dynamic, and versatile — always looking to create danger through dribbling, acceleration, and direct ball progression.
He also contributes to team play by combining with midfielders along the flank, helping circulation and quickly advancing the ball into the opponent’s box.
One of his most remarkable stats is his 14.7 progressive actions per game, the highest among wingers across Europe’s top seven leagues. This emphasizes his forward-thinking approach, always aiming toward the opposition goal.
Other notable numbers include 7.19 touches in the opposition box per game, 6.97 progressive carries, and 0.89 expected goals + assists per 90 minutes. He is consistently involved in decisive moments, acting as the centerpiece of attacking moves.
In the Eredivisie, his dominance was clear. Compared with his peers, he ranked as the second-best winger in the league.This reflects not only his high volume of actions but also his efficiency in executing them.
A Generator Down the Left Flank
Lang’s explosiveness is evident across the entire left side. His heatmap highlights constant activity from the midfield line up to the penalty area.
Importantly, he does not confine himself strictly to the flank — he frequently cuts inside, targeting the opponent’s area and penetrating zone 14 (the edge of the penalty box) to create danger.
His natural role is left winger, where he appears 61% of the time. However, he also functions as a left midfielder in 39% of matches.
At Napoli, he is expected to operate as a pure left winger in Conte’s 4-3-3. This role will give him freedom in attack, while defensive cover will come from the fullback behind him.
What Makes Him Different?
In the Eredivisie, Lang created the most chances from dribbles into the penalty area — 66 total, 11 of which resulted in goals. His danger primarily stems from his ability to drive at defenders, cut inside, and either shoot or deliver the final pass.
As mentioned earlier, Lang also led the top seven leagues in progressive actions and carries per game.
Directness, speed, agility, and explosive dribbling are his hallmarks. However, his weakness remains discipline. At Ajax, he clashed with Erik ten Hag for not contributing enough defensively and for showing frustration too easily. Under Antonio Conte’s strict approach, however, there is hope he can refine this side of his game.
Another key strength is his presence inside the box. Lang consistently ranks among the players with the most touches in the penalty area and the highest number of passes preceding a teammate’s shot.
In simple terms, he is constantly prowling around the box, looking to provide that decisive final ball or finish off chances himself.
Transfer and Contract Figures
Napoli secured Lang’s services for €28 million, tying him down to a contract until 2030. His salary increases from €1.6 million at PSV to €2.8 million per year in Naples, a significant factor in his decision to join the Serie A champions.
Fighting for a Starting Spot with Neres?
Lang reunites with former Ajax teammate David Neres at Napoli.
Both are explosive, high-energy wide players, but Neres has struggled to fully adapt to Italian football. Lang’s arrival creates direct competition, and their duel for the starting role will be one of the storylines to follow in Conte’s lineup decisions.
The Perfect Signing?
Once considered one of the brightest prospects in Dutch football, Lang’s rise was slowed by disciplinary issues. Yet, he now arrives in Naples at the peak of his career, ready to finally fulfill that early promise.
Noa Lang is set to be a game-changer for Napoli’s attack — explosive, creative, and capable of becoming the player many predicted he would be years ago.