After having won as many trophies as they have in recent years and raised the standards for others in their positions around the world, it is easy to run out of superlatives for several of Manchester City’s stars.
Especially for those who were at City when the club were still in search for winning their first Champions League trophy before helping them to finally get over the line in 2023.
At this point, such world-class players do not have much left to prove at club level.
Yet, it seems like their hunger to continue playing at the highest level and add medals to their trophy cabinet remains sky-high.
A player who fits the aforementioned description of still being elite, a serial winner and one who seemingly enjoys the pressure of top-level football is Kevin De Bruyne.
After a summer of constant speculation around his future, Guardiola clarified De Bruyne will stay at Manchester City as he has been informed that the club are yet to receive any offers for him.
The Belgian has returned to training with City, ending the chatter around whether he remains to stick around at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
The 33-year-old was one of the many players who were handed an extended break after the European Championship to kick back and relax before another grueling campaign was set to begin.
Perhaps the intention with giving the £54.5 million man a rest was also considering he suffered a major injury last season.
Dias hails De Bruyne
De Bruyne has shared a dressing room with Ruben Dias since 2020.
In tandem, the pair have won four consecutive Premier League titles, a Champions League, two Carabao Cups, one FA Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
On the pitch, the pair have tasted incredible success while also training with each other during their four-year stay at City.
In an interview with Fubo, Dias was asked to describe De Bruyne in one word.
The Portuguese centre-back replied: “Brilliant.”
In January, Dias hailed De Bruyne by admitting that it is an “honour” for him to be in the same team as the midfield maestro.
Kevin De Bruyne would perhaps say the same about Ruben Dias
De Bruyne’s greatness knows no bounds and as he was paid a compliment by Dias, if he was questioned about the colossus at the back, he would perhaps revealed that he holds him in very high esteem as well.
Before the former Benfica defender’s arrival, City had not reached a Champions League final.
However, Dias brought a level of solidity and leadership to the Sky Blues’ backline that was sorely missing before he was signed.
While Manchester City lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League final in 2021, the experience of going as deep as they did would have played a massive role in their eventual triumph two years later.
As Dias has gone from strength to strength since then, De Bruyne will likely only have great things to say about his Manchester City teammate as well.
