So far, Kevin De Bruyne has been one of Manchester City’s best players this season.
Unlike last season where he suffered an injury in the first game of the campaign against Burnley, De Bruyne is fully fit and has started all of City’s three Premier League games.
De Bruyne is playing in a newfound role where he is tasked to pick up the ball in areas of the pitch where he has time and space in possession — either in deep areas or even further up the pitch — as a part of a midfield diamond where he is playing on the left-hand side.
It seems like the £54.5 million man has found the adaptation to this role quite easy to understand.
So much so that Gabby Agbonlahor made a claim about De Bruyne being fit and firing as the sole reason why he reckons City will win the league by even more than two points this campaign.
While the 33-year-old decided to stay at the Etihad Stadium this summer, his future remains uncertain.
De Bruyne addresses Man City contract situation
In June, De Bruyne suggested the Saudi Pro League could tempt him to make a move due to the generational wealth he could earn playing there.
With De Bruyne’s contract at City expiring in 2025 and him being on the wrong side of 30, valid questions exist about whether he is playing his final season at the club.
Based on his displays this season, the midfield maestro is ageing like fine wine.
Pep Guardiola’s men still seemingly depend on the six-time Premier League winner’s creativity, exceptional passing range and unique match-winning ability as a side.
De Bruyne initially addressed all the speculation surrounding his future in the summer.
The Manchester City midfielder via journalist Mike Minay: “I haven’t spoken to anyone. There’s been a lot of noises and news. I said in the summer, I expect a quiet summer and that’s actually what happened. I’ve been on holiday, came back and started training. That’s it. Nothing to tell.”
De Bruyne also discussed his uncertain contractual situation at present, saying: “Once the season goes on, I’m sure there will be conversations to be had. I just want to feel good, play good football and this will come in the upcoming months. I don’t really feel the rush for the moment.”
Kevin De Bruyne should be given a contract extension
As things stand, the Drongen-born attacker still looks like one of the best players in the Premier League.
De Bruyne also seems to be rather unaffected by his visibly declining athleticism — as he looks like a class apart in his newfound role.
The treble-winner, much like several midfielders of yesteryear has been asked to play deeper and it seems like this shift could add years to his lifespan as a player.
The former VFL Wolfsburg phenomenon remains the club’s best creator by some distance and still has a massive say on how City play.
With De Bruyne also being a leader in the dressing room, there are plenty of factors that make a new contract offer from Manchester City a no-brainer.
But it seems like there is plenty of time before a final decision emerges.
