Aston Villa and Manchester City are preparing to lock horns in what is likely to be Kevin De Bruyne’s last Premier League match against the Villans.
Manchester City confirmed a few weeks ago that De Bruyne would be leaving the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.
Is it unknown where De Bruyne will be plying his trade next season, though there has been a fair bit of speculation relating to a potential MLS move.
Aston Villa captain John McGinn has now spoken about De Bruyne after being asked by Sky Sports what he thought of his fellow midfield star.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola names the ‘terrible’ thing he has to do at Manchester City sometimes
John McGinn says Kevin De Bruyne is one of the Premier League’s greatest ever midfielders
McGinn admitted it would be “strange” to potentially be lining up against De Bruyne one last time in the Premier League.
The Villa captain also said he hoped it won’t be the last time they play against him – potentially alluding to the fact both teams may yet face off in the FA Cup final.
McGinn spoke highly of De Bruyne, saying he’s “one of the Premier League’s greatest ever midfielders” and also said he’s a “really humble” guy.
“It’ll be strange obviously,” said McGinn. “Hope it won’t be the last time we play against him, but what a career he’s had at Man City.
“One of the Premier League’s greatest ever midfielders, just had everything really.
“A couple of those league titles that they came back and, when everyone expected them not to win the league, he kind of picked them up with the scruff of the neck and showed unbelievable quality and desire.
“I’ve met him a couple of times, good guy, really humble, and I wish him all the best in whatever he does – but certainly if it’s not the Premier League next season, thank goodness!”
Who Manchester City could target as Kevin De Bruyne replacement
Sadly, there’s no denying that De Bruyne is now past his prime and, with City needing to freshen things up, letting him leave to continue his playing career elsewhere is the right decision for both parties.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is Manchester City’s dream target, but Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is also on Manchester City’s radar.
Incoming City director of football Hugo Viana is a fan of Gibbs-White, who is Premier League-proven and friends with Phil Foden, suggesting he could hit the ground running at the Etihad.
