Dimitar Berbatov was a footballer known for his first touch.
It was one of the Bulgarian star’s standout traits, which was often seen through his impressive career in the Premier League with Manchester United, Tottenham, and Fulham, where he won two English top-flight titles and two EFL Cups, one with Spurs and the other with the Red Devils.
When it comes to the skill of the first touch, there is nobody better to ask than the 44-year-old pundit, and the former striker thinks a player Man City let go for free has the best in all of Europe.
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Kevin De Bruyne has the best first touch in Europe
Man City fans view Kevin De Bruyne as the best midfielder to ever play the sport, with the Belgian certainly being the greatest player to play for the Manchester club.
There are many things to like about the 33-year-old’s game, his passing range, his ability to shoot from distance, and his football IQ, to name a few; however, one of his most underrated skills is his first touch.
Speaking to SportBible’s TikTok account, Berbatov was asked who has the best first touch in Europe and the former Man United star named De Bruyne, and went on to explain why.
“Uh, that’s a tough one. I would say, Kevin De Bruyne, I like to watch,” Berbatov said. “Because not only about the touch, because people sometimes mistakenly think that the touch is only stopping the ball.
“No, it’s not. It’s about how you continue after you get the touch. You know, how do you do it under pressure to have a good touch? So players who are gifted in the mind and know how to read the game are going to be more good with the touch.”
The Belgian will no longer be a Man City player once his contract expires at the end of this month, as De Bruyne completed a free transfer to Napoli this week, after the Manchester club decided not to offer the 33-year-old a new deal.
Kevin De Bruyne completes Napoli move
It was confirmed on Thursday that De Bruyne has joined Napoli on a free transfer and has agreed to a two-year contract with the Italian giants with an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months come the conclusion of the 2026/27 campaign.
This move is a great next step for the Man City legend as it will allow him to compete at a high level, offer him Champions League football, and De Bruyne’s wife has approved of a move to Naples.
It is also good for Man City fans as Serie A games are very accessible for supporters of the Manchester club who would like to continue watching their greatest ever player in action.
It will be interesting to see how well the Belgian performs in Italy, as there will likely be some regret on City’s part if the midfielder somehow returns to his old levels.
