Kevin de Bruyne : King of the Premier League
Newcastle United were leading 2–1 at halftime against defending champions Manchester City. Two goals in two minutes from youngsters Isak and Gordon turned the game in the Magpies’ favour. City were lacklustre, and struggled to create chances. It finally seemed like Newcastle would end their three match losing streak, and the fans at St. James Park were rightfully optimistic. But then, a certain man decided he wouldn’t let that happen…
In the 69th minute, a certain Belgian midfielder was substituted on for City, and 287 seconds later, he had equalized for the visitors. It took him less than 5 minutes to score on his Premier League return, after being out of action for nearly 5 months, after being injured on opening day.
But he wasn’t done yet. An outrageous ball over the top to assist teenager Oscar Bobb in stoppage time sealed the game for Man City. A goal and an assist in 25 minutes, it’s like he never left. Kevin de Bruyne is back, and Europe needs to fear him. Because he’s the best midfielder to ever play in England.
In January 2012, Chelsea announced the signing of a young Kevin de Bruyne from Belgian club Genk, and was later loaned out to Werder Bremen in July. He had a very successful loan spell in Germany, with 10 goals and 10 assists, and new Chelsea boss Mourinho assured him of a substantial role in the upcoming season. But, De Bruyne failed to nail down a consistent spot in Mourinho’s lineup, and frustrated with his lack of opportunities, he sought a move to Wolfsburg in January 2014, making only 3 League appearances for the Blues.
De Bruyne’s tenure at Wolfsburg was a transformative phase in his career, as he blossomed into a midfield maestro. His impact was immediate, with the Belgian playmaker orchestrating the team’s attack with flair, vision, and goal-scoring prowess. De Bruyne’s remarkable performances helped Wolfsburg secure a second-place finish in the Bundesliga during the 2014–2015 season, earning him Germany’s Footballer of the Year. His time at Wolfsburg not only solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s elite midfielders but also paved the way for a high-profile transfer to Manchester City in 2015. On 30 August 2015, Manchester City announced the arrival of De Bruyne on a six-year contract, for a reported club-record fee of £55 million (€75 million), making him the second most expensive transfer in British football history after Ángel Di María’s move to Manchester United in 2014.
Since arriving at the Etihad in 2015, De Bruyne has evolved into one of the sport’s greatest midfielders. In the 2016–2017 season, which coincided with the arrival of Pep Guardiola, his precision passing, with an accuracy exceeding 80%, laid the groundwork for City’s fluid attacking style. Notably, his eight goals in the 2017–2018 campaign highlighted his goal-scoring capabilities, adding a dynamic dimension to his playmaking role. That season also saw Manchester City become the first Centurions of the Premier League, with an 18 match win streak. The 2018–2019 season saw De Bruyne excel in set-pieces, becoming a key architect of City’s attacking strategy, despite a few injury setbacks early-on.
The following season saw De Bruyne reach the pinnacle of his playmaking brilliance. His ability to read the game and execute precise passes created a seamless link between City’s defense and attack. What truly set this season apart was his 48 appearances. wherein he scored 16 goals as well as equalled Thierry Henry’s Premier League assist record of 21, a feat that underscored his playmaking mastery. Beyond his playmaking prowess, De Bruyne showcased versatility and goal-scoring acumen. His eight goals in the Premier League included stunning long-range efforts and composed finishes, making him not just a provider but a significant goal threat. This dual role as a creator and scorer added a new layer to his dynamic midfield presence, leading him to win the PFA Player of the Year.
In the 2020–21 season, Kevin de Bruyne was named captain, and he seamlessly blended on-field excellence with motivational prowess. His ability to inspire teammates in crucial moments, coupled with a relentless work ethic, solidified his role as an influential leader on and off the pitch.
“Kevin has something unique,” said Guardiola. “He can run; the vision he has. He sees things others cannot see. Right now, in the midfield position, he is the best [in the world].”
He again demonstrated his brilliance throughout the 2021/22 campaign with a stellar second-half of the campaign helping drive City towards the Premier League title. His 19 goals in 43 games was a career-best for the Belgian who also was voted the Etihad Player of the Season for a record-equalling fourth time.
Funnily enough, Kevin de Bruyne has never won a Premier League Player of the Month award, but has two Player of the Season awards.
The 2022/23 season finally saw De Bruyne prove himself as one of the best midfielders, as he finally won the elusive Champions League, as part of City’s treble. With a certain Norwegian Viking to finish off the chances he created, City were unstoppable. 7 goals and 16 assists in the League itself, and Kevin de Bruyne was one of the best in the world, once again.
In the league, Arsenal were winter winners, and looked poised to win the trophy 20 years after their Invincible campaign. City’s 4 – 1 victory against Arsenal took them to within two points of the Gunners at the top of the table with two games to spare. And, as so often has been the case down the years, it was Kevin De Bruyne that led City’s charge. He’s an all-rounder with a genius-level IQ, and his control and technique is unmatched. The way he picks out passes, and scans the field around him, is something probably only Messi can compete with (or surpass).
Kevin De Bruyne is indeed a remarkable and versatile player, and his adaptability has been a key factor in Manchester City’s success. His proficiency with both feet enhances his ability to play in various positions, making him a valuable asset for Pep Guardiola, allowing him to deploy De Bruyne in different roles based on the team’s needs and the opponent they are facing. he has played as a traditional №10, showcasing his creativity and vision to orchestrate attacks. His role as a deep-lying playmaker highlights his passing ability and composure in controlling the game from deeper positions. When deployed as a right-sided №8, De Bruyne brings energy and goal-scoring threat from midfield. Additionally, his ability to function as a false nine adds an extra dimension to City’s attacking play, keeping the opposition defense guessing.
The signing of Kevin De Bruyne by Manchester City in 2015 for £55 million initially raised skepticism, given his previous stint at Chelsea, where he struggled to make an impact. Critics, including football pundit Paul Merson, were vocal about their doubts, emphasizing that his success in the Bundesliga might not necessarily translate to the more competitive environment of the Premier League. Merson, in particular, expressed his skepticism in a Daily Star column, deeming City’s investment in De Bruyne as “an absolute joke” and questioning the player’s ability to thrive in the more challenging English top-flight. De Bruyne helped City win the League Cup and reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time ever in his first season at the Etihad, recording nine goals and 27 assists across all competitions.
“The first meeting I ever had with Pep, he said, ‘Kevin, listen. You can be — easily — a top-five player in the world. Top five. Easily.’ I was shocked. But when Pep said it with so much belief, it changed my whole mentality. It was kind of genius, I think. Because I felt like I had to prove him right, instead of prove him wrong.”
De Bruyne was a very good player when he arrived at City, but Guardiola unlocked his full potential and turned him into one of the all-time greats. De Bruyne has become one of only three players to win the PFA Player of the Year award in consecutive seasons — alongside Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s in his own league, and we should savour every single second of his remaining years in Manchester.
