Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe hailed Kevin De Bruyne after his side’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester City at St. James’ Park.
The Englishman acknowledged that De Bruyne singlehandedly turned the tide for the Sky Blues in his post-match interview with TNT Sports (13/01/2024), as City were losing 2-1 when he was introduced to proceedings.
After the contest, Pep Guardiola also emphasised how much Manchester City are reliant on Kevin De Bruyne to steer them over the line.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says “world-class” Kevin De Bruyne changed the game for Manchester City
Micah Richards also noted how the five-time Premier League winner has the ability to play anywhere on the pitch and still manage to emerge as a difference-maker for his side.
Oscar Bobb, who made the headlines by scoring the winner also acknowledged how special of a passer the £400,000-a-week (Sport Rac) man is.
Eddie Howe also gave Kevin De Bruyne his props after Newcastle suffered a late defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
“Yeah, we had chances in the game. First half, maybe a slow start but we came into the match, we scored two goals, we could have potentially scored more. Limited chances in the second half, a couple of counter-attacks that ended in opportunities for us”, he told TNT Sports.
“But yeah, their quality told in the end. I thought the substitution of [Kevin] De Bruyne, obviously, world-class player, he scored one and he’s assisted one and he made the difference, really.”
Huge for Pep Guardiola that Kevin De Bruyne is already firing
As Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne stunned Eddie Howe and Co. on Saturday, Pep Guardiola must have departed Newcastle with a smile on his face.
Considering the quality that the Magpies possess coupled with the £54 million (The Telegraph) man returning from such a serious injury, the fact that he looked like a force of nature must understandably delight Guardiola.
It would be understandable if the 32-year-old took time to settle into his surroundings after an accumulation of injuries, as was the case during the first half of the 2021/2022 season.
However, against Huddersfield Town and now against Newcastle as well, Kevin De Bruyne has looked like he means business from the get-go.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s players and the club’s supporters have every reason to be over the moon.
