Richard Dunne believes Kevin De Bruyne is a joy to watch, and that the other Manchester City players raise their game when he is on the pitch.
The Belgian made headlines again yesterday, as he came off the bench to inspire another win for Pep Guardiola’s side.
De Bruyne started from the bench, with Pep Guardiola looking to keep his talisman fresh.
Everton made life difficult for City and were pretty solid defensively to their credit. But De Bruyne came on and provided the inspiration that was needed.
Julian Alvarez’s corner eventually fell to the feet of Erling Haaland’s feet to break the deadlock, and then then De Bruyne played his teammate in for a second goal late on.
After the game, former City defender Richard Dunne raved over the 32-year-old…
Richard Dunne claims the Man City players raise their game when Kevin De Bruyne plays
For large parts of yesterday’s game, City found it tough to break Everton down.
Under Sean Dyche, they have become quite a difficult team to breach – only four teams in the division have conceded fewer goals than the Toffees this term.
It was going to need a big effort at the end to finally breach them, and De Bruyne – as he has been so many times in the past – was the inspiration.
Dunne said on City’s post-match coverage of the game: “With De Bruyne, it’s like three, four, five times a game he’s doing it. He’s just so spot on with every pass that he makes – it’s incredible.
“The players up their game because they appreciate what’s coming. It’s going to be weighed perfectly for when it arrives, so they can play it one touch or whatever they need to do. He’s just a joy to watch.
“Having him back at this important part of the season just brings the team onto another level again.”
Another clutch De Bruyne performance
There was real potential for City to drop points yesterday, with Everton rocking up and giving a good defensive performance.
But £55 million star De Bruyne came in clutch once again for City, inspiring a victory with his creativity.
Erling Haaland scored two great goals for the hosts, and earned praised from Sean Dyche as a result, but had it not been for the Belgian we might have been talking about a goalless draw.
Dunne is right with his assessment of De Bruyne – the other players just seem to be inspired when he is on the pitch, and it is so important that he stays fit now until the end of the season.
