Before you dismiss this article immediately, hear me out. The Belgian midfielder is not on the goal scoring level of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Kevin De Bruyne has just as much influence on a match as the other two superstars.
Offense Output
Kevin De Bruyne is the jewel in a Manchester City side that has only dropped two points this season in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s side leads the league with 40 goals scored and have conceded the second fewest goals (8). De Bruyne has been a key part in going forward for the Sky Blues playing behind the striker or finding the gaps in the defense. The midfielder has nine goal contributions this season and has scored some absolute scorchers. The Belgian has scored three goals and assisted six in the Prem but has been instrumental in the build up play for the Citizens.
Kevin De Bruyne for @ManCity in the @PremierLeague:
🔵 Games: 76
⚽️ Goals: 16
🎯 Assists: 34✅ Quickest time taken for any midfielder to contribute to 50 Goals….in PL history. 😳🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/RhhRgSc0eE
— SPORF (@Sporf) November 18, 2017
Defensive Ability
Now, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo are much more influential going forward and change the game as soon as they step on the field. De Bruyne can be deployed as a deep midfielder and invite teammates David Silva and Leroy Sane to venture forward. In a system that focuses on playing out from the back, it’s very important to find open pockets of space and players to run the channels. During the second leg of a Round of 16 tie between AS Monaco and City, De Bruyne started high up the field but, come halftime, reverted to a deep line play-maker. This allowed City back into the game and to regain possession and the lead. His flexibility is a gift that any coach would want in their team.
Match Winner
Very simply Kevin De Bruyne is a match winner. He has the ability to carve open any defense with his passing or his goal scoring capability. This has been a theme for the midfielder since his arrival back in 2015. His first light on the big stage was sending the Sky Blues to the Champions League semi-finals after defeating PSG (3-2) on aggregate. De Bruyne contributed with two goals and one assist over the two legs, including the winner in the second leg to secure the victory. This season, against Chelsea and Leicester City, De Bruyne has scored the winning goal in a very close and competitive game. He was the man of the match in a 1-0 over the Blues scoring from distance.
Reporter: "Are you left or right footed?"
Kevin de Bruyne: "Yes." pic.twitter.com/y9mDeV5bWw
— The Football Pools (@footballpools) November 19, 2017
One of the World Best
Is De Brunye one of the best in the world? Yes. Does he influence the game like Messi and Ronaldo? Yes. Is he on as much of threat on goal as the other two? No. He’s the first player that any opponent will take notice of before a ball is kicked, like Messi and Ronaldo. He can be planned for and tactics may be built around him, but he still can’t be stopped along with Man City.
Thank you for reading my first piece here on PerSources! I’m always open to feedback on my twitter (@CamB_PerSources). Comment what I should write about next. If you disagree with me write in the comments below.