Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has never been shy about expressing his admiration for Kevin De Bruyne, and his latest comments reaffirm just how highly he rates the Belgian maestro. In a statement that will delight City fans, Guardiola declared De Bruyne as “one of the top-three, five best players in the whole history of Manchester City without a doubt.”
The praise didn’t stop there. Guardiola, known for his intense tactical mind and demanding standards, spoke about the deep personal connection he has with De Bruyne, saying, “Every time he performs well, I’m the happiest man on the planet! He gave me many, many things, to the team and me.”
The Legacy of Kevin De Bruyne at Man City
Since arriving at the Etihad in 2015, Kevin De Bruyne has been the heartbeat of Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City side. With his unmatched vision, passing range, and ability to control games, he has been instrumental in City’s dominance in English football.
De Bruyne has racked up over 100 goals and 150 assists for the club, making him one of the most influential playmakers in Premier League history. He has won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cups, and most notably, the 2022-23 Champions League, cementing his status as a City legend.
Where Does De Bruyne Rank Among City’s All-Time Greats?
When Guardiola mentions De Bruyne in the same breath as the greatest players in Manchester City history, it raises an interesting debate: where does he rank among the club’s legends?
City has had some iconic figures over the years, from Colin Bell and Francis Lee in the 1970s to modern heroes like Sergio Agüero, David Silva, and Vincent Kompany. Agüero remains the club’s all-time top scorer and delivered the most famous moment in City’s history with his last-gasp title-winning goal in 2012. Silva was the magician who orchestrated City’s rise, while Kompany was the warrior leader who captained the team to glory.
Yet, De Bruyne’s influence arguably surpasses even these legends. His ability to dictate play, create chances out of nothing, and deliver in big moments makes him indispensable. He has not only won trophies but also defined an era of dominance under Guardiola.
A Perfect Partnership with Guardiola
Few managers in football history have valued midfielders as much as Pep Guardiola. From Xavi and Iniesta at Barcelona to his current admiration for De Bruyne, Guardiola has always built his teams around world-class playmakers.
What makes De Bruyne stand out is his ability to combine Guardiola’s tactical philosophy with raw individual brilliance. Whether it’s a 40-yard assist, a thunderous strike from distance, or a decisive pass in a crowded box, De Bruyne thrives in the biggest moments.
Guardiola’s emotional connection with his players is well-documented, and his words suggest that De Bruyne has given him some of the most rewarding moments of his managerial career.
What’s Next for De Bruyne?
At 32, De Bruyne still has a few prime years left. Injuries have slowed him down recently, but when fit, he remains one of the most feared players in world football. With City chasing yet another Premier League and Champions League double, De Bruyne will be central to their ambitions once again.
As Guardiola’s comments show, De Bruyne’s legacy at Manchester City is already secured. The only question now is: how much more history can he make before he hangs up his boots?
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