According to Pep Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne has been Manchester City’s most crucial player during his tenure as manager.
If his team defeats Inter Milan this evening, the Spaniard might witness his team do a first in their history and win the Champions League.
The 52-year-old, who has already won his second FA Cup and sixth Premier League championship, has singled out one member of his team who has been most important during his time in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne is praised by Guardiola
When asked about De Bruyne and what makes him the player he is, Guardiola replied this to Thierry Henry for CBS Sports Golazo.
“Without him, what we have accomplished this season and over the years would be all but impossible,” he added. “He is a special person, so sensitive, and he is reliable in many things.”
The midfielder has played 314 times for City under Guardiola, and his 80 goals and 139 assists demonstrate just how important he has been to the team in helping them win so many domestic championships.
The Belgian, who Jamie Redknapp has referred to as a “genius” in the past, has made 48 appearances this season in all competitions and has contributed 31 assists along with 10 goals.
Some of those goal-scoring contributions have come in some of City’s biggest games of the season, including matches in the league against teams like Liverpool and Arsenal as well as in the Champions League and FA Cup finals against Real Madrid and Manchester United.
De Bruyne has the best opportunity to once again prove his importance and perform admirably on the largest stage now that the Citizens have the potential to declare themselves the champions of Europe.
