Kevin De Bruyne has claimed that one Manchester City player’s efforts this season have kept him at the top of his game.
The Belgian has spent a big chunk of the season out with injury problems, resulting in him making just 11 appearances in the Premier League.
However, his latest appearance saw him score two goals and deliver one assist in City’s 4-2 win over Crystal Palace.
After this impressive display, the midfielder took the time to highlight the performances of another City player who has been one of the Manchester club’s top star in this campaign.
De Bruyne blown away by ‘superstar’ teammate this season
Speaking on TNT Sports after the Palace victory, De Bruyne had this to say about Phil Foden and his efforts in the team this season.
He said: “Phil [Foden] has been amazing this season so he deserves it, it keeps me on my toes to give me that little push.
“It’s possible [to play together in midfield with Foden]. When I started with David Silva, nobody thought it would be possible but we managed it in a way. David was the older player and I was younger and the runner, now it’s going to be a bit vice-versa. I don’t see why not. I don’t think we’ve done it that much.
“If I can do it with Julian [Alvarez], who is more of a striker, then I can also do it with Phil. I just try to be more of an example with the way I am on the pitch. I’m not the person who will tell them how to live their life as that is a personal thing. I try to give my best from day one.
“I’ve been with Phil for about seven years now so I don’t feel he’s a youngster anymore. He’s an established superstar in our team, he’s been here that long. He’s just amazing.”
Featuring in 44 games across all competitions this season, Foden has scored 21 goals and delivered 10 assists.
Looking back to the 2018/19 season where he just made 26 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side and scored seven goals with two assists, this showcases how much he has grown in terms of his prominence in the team and his ability when it comes to scoring and providing goals on a regular basis.
In fact, prior to the Palace game, Guardiola said that Foden should be considered to win the Player of the Season award as a result of his impressive performances.
With all of that in mind, it’s easy to see why De Bruyne has been so impressed with what the Englishman has been doing on the pitch this season.
Moving forward, if the pair can end up playing together regularly, they will give City a great chance of regaining the three titles they won last season.
