The striker has identified the coach as the reason for his transformation this season, and is hoping to fire his club to success this term

Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain has credited coach Maurizio Sarri for making him “indispensable” amidst his recent explosion in form.

Higuain was made a scapegoat for his club failing to qualify to the Champions League on the final day of last season when they were pipped by Lazio.

His penalty miss in the final of the Copa America next caused Argentina to be beaten by Chile, with Gerardo Martino opting to leave him out of Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.

Despite his international woes, the 27-year-old has turned around his club fortunes by scoring six goals in all competitions this term under Sarri, and has credited the trainer for his new-found form.

“With Sarri, our relationship is very good. He has helped me so much early on and has made me feel like a player who is indispensable,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“At times for a player, dialogue can be the most important thing.

“I feel like I’m in good mental and physical condition at the moment. I hope that I can improve even more, the same way that I hope Napoli will continue to get better too.”

Higuain’s prolific streak continued on Thursday in a 2-0 win over Legia Warsaw in the Europa League, as he cut in from the left and curled home a wonderful strike to seal the points.

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to face Milan, Higuain added: “I believe that the goal I scored against Legia is among the finest I have ever managed in my career.

“I’m pleased with myself because that’s exactly where I wanted to put the ball, right in the top corner.

“For us, we still have to prove we are a great team and can improve many things. The game against Milan could give us important indications about where we are.”