Kevin De Bruyne: A Premier League Legend Ready to Leave Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has hailed Kevin De Bruyne as one of the greatest players ever in the Premier League. This comes after the Belgian announced that he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season. De Bruyne, 33, has been a key player in Manchester City’s rise as the dominant team in English football since joining from Wolfsburg for £55 million in 2015.
De Bruyne’s Impact at Manchester City
Since his arrival at the Etihad, De Bruyne has won 14 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League. He has also scored 106 goals and provided 174 assists in 413 appearances for the club. His contributions have been crucial to City’s success, making him one of the most influential players in the club’s history.
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, spoke highly of De Bruyne’s achievements. “He is one of the greatest midfielders ever to play in this country and for this club – there is no doubt,” Guardiola said. “We’ve won a lot of trophies and he’s been involved in every single one.”
The Challenges of Recent Seasons
Despite De Bruyne’s incredible record, his influence has been affected in recent seasons due to injury problems. Last year, he missed five months due to a hamstring tear and has struggled to maintain a consistent presence on the pitch this season. He has started just 21 of City’s 47 matches across all competitions.
Guardiola acknowledged these challenges but praised De Bruyne’s consistency during his peak years. “For his consistency, except the last year, year-and-a-half, due to injury problems, he’s been there every time,” he said. “His assists, goals, and vision in the final third are so difficult to replace.”
The Legacy of De Bruyne
Guardiola also highlighted the rarity of De Bruyne’s skills. “Everyone can make actions for assists, but how many years and games he has been doing it makes him unique.” De Bruyne’s legacy at City will likely be remembered alongside other greats, such as Vincent Kompany, David Silva, and Sergio Aguero, who all have statues outside the Etihad Stadium.
“I would bet a lot of money that it is going to happen, that’s for sure,” Guardiola said when asked about a statue for De Bruyne. “He deserves to be in this level.”
What’s Next for Kevin De Bruyne?
It is still unclear whether De Bruyne will leave Manchester City at the end of the Premier League season or if he will stay until the Club World Cup, which runs from June 14 to July 13. His contract is set to expire in June, and Guardiola said that De Bruyne has to decide what he wants to do next.
“It’s a good question I don’t know,” Guardiola said. “He has to decide, it’s a new competition. I hope he can continue to play football in another place, but it depends on risk and contracts for the future.”
De Bruyne’s next move will depend on the discussions between him and the club, and only time will tell if he stays at Manchester City or moves on to a new challenge.
Conclusion
Kevin De Bruyne’s legacy at Manchester City is undeniable. With multiple trophies, countless assists, and an incredible impact on the pitch, he will forever be remembered as one of the Premier League’s best. Whether he continues his journey at City or takes on a new challenge, his name will always be etched in the club’s history.
Kevin De Bruyne: A Premier League Legend Ready to Leave Manchester City
