Following Kevin De Bruyne’s outstanding performance in Manchester City’s stunning 7-0 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig last night, Pep Guardiola insists he still has complete faith in the player.
The Premier League champions put on one of their most brutal performances of the season to secure their place in the quarterfinals of Europe’s premier club competition.
With the help of his captain, who started after being benched against Crystal Palace the previous Saturday, Erling Haaland scored five goals in an amazing exhibition of finishing.
Following that, De Bruyne put on a superb display against the helpless Bundesliga squad, which a City team that is now on a roll tore to shreds.
Although Ilkay Gundogan has been hailed as City’s greatest midfielder this season, Guardiola believes De Bruyne still has more to offer. He has challenged the Belgian international to match Gundogan’s level of reliability.
Kevin contributes to the dynamics. He is not a player who can play there if he lacks the energy or movements, according to Guardiola.
He can’t stop after receiving the ball in the pockets, thus he’s not a player like that. He is a man who attacks both inside and outside, inside and outside. Press high and make the transitions. Erling, starting with Bernardo. The player we are familiar with is the intensity we have.
I am aware that Kevin cannot play in that position continuously. You have to comprehend his character. When it occurs, the goals and assists are both complimentary.
“But he doesn’t do that after the number of balls he dropped to allow the opposition to gain transitions [in prior games],” a critic said. He neither scores nor assists.
“I’m going to find Kevin De Bruyne,” you say. I’m going to tell you how amazing he is after seven years of being together. Periodically, you experience highs and lows. In order to set the ball, move here, get close to the central defenders, and get in the box, Kevin must complete the necessary transitions. ‘Hats off,’ says Kevin. But he needs to understand.
He doesn’t lose balls when that occurs, after all. He is assertive with the ball and aids in our high press.
Some claim that he must play KDB constantly. Do you believe I am foolish to play at Leipzig’s level? That’s not how he would play, though.
‘You have to sit and realize. Should Bernardo be playing? Gundogan is our best midfielder at the moment. To compete at the best level possible, they must compete against one another. Otherwise, another player will enter the game.
