Mertens: Let's not make Cavani bigger than he is

Oct 5, 2012 9:05:00 AM

The Belgium international downplayed the importance of the Serie A star, while shot stopper Boy Waterman was delighted with PSV's victory, too

EXCLUSIVE
By Yorick Hokke

PSV attacker Dries Mertens was not too impressed with Napoli star Edinson Cavani in his side's 3-0 Europa League victory over Walter Mazzarri's side in Eindhoven.

The Uruguay international started the encounter from the bench, but replaced Omar El Kaddouri at half-time when Napoli were 2-0 behind.

Nevertheless, the 25-year-old was unable to turn things around as the Partenopei were easily beaten, and the Belgian stressed that the forward was unable to trouble PSV's defence.

"Let's not make Cavani any bigger than he really is. We simply put in a strong performance in defence," Mertens stated to Goal.com.

"Everybody says that Napoli were very poor, but we should not forget that we put in a great performance. We dominated proceedings from the first until the final whistle.

"Napoli might have fielded some reserves, but the guys who did play are all good players, too."

Meanwhile, shot stopper Boy Waterman was equally pleased with PSV's victory over Napoli at the Philips Stadium.

"You don't expect to have such a quiet night when you meet Napoli. We played a great game, though, and you can only be satisfied when you record a 3-0 victory."

PSV sit joint second in Group F of the Europa League with three points from two games.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

Real Madrid are better off without Mourinho
The Portuguese's position had become untenable in recent weeks, especially after Friday's debacle in the Copa del Rey. Now he's leaving, but the club can grow stronger without him
AVB, Levy & Lewis to thrash out Tottenham plans
After missing out on a place in the Champions League, the north London side are devising a way to keep Gareth Bale at the club and attract new stars to White Hart Lane
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
Cartoon: Casillas' birthday wish comes true
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day
Goal's Serie A awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season