Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s creative heart beat. Saturday’s Champions League Final seems the fitting stage for City’s Belgian midfield maestro to take the mantle as Manchester City’s greatest player of the modern era.
There aren’t enough superlatives to accurately describe De Bruyne. He sits in rare air amongst recent Manchester City greats. David Silva, Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero all rank at the very top of Manchester City’s modern greats.
De Bruyne rightfully holds a seat at the same table. He has won every major award in English football in his time at Manchester City. He has also won every major competition domestically in his time at Manchester City.
Only one title remains. The UEFA Champions League.
De Bruyne and City’s last appearance in a Champions League final ended in tears for the Belgian maestro. Both physically and the final result.
A horror Antonio Rudiger challenge ended his game early. De Bruyne suffered a concussion, a fractured cheekbone and a broken nose as he had to be substituted at the hour mark.
Manchester City would fall 1 nil to Chelsea in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final. The sight of De Bruyne in tears, injured on the bench a horrible sight for City fans everywhere.
This is the time for De Bruyne to take his throne as Manchester City’s greatest player of the modern era.
De Bruyne has been crucial in Manchester City’s season so far. His brace against Arsenal in the Premier League set the tone in a vital and powerful 4-1 win at the Etihad in late April.
His equalizer against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi final first leg was a massive moment in the tie. City needed someone to stand up against a raucous Bernabeu crowd.
Up stepped De Bruyne to fire home a rocket from outside the box. It gave City the result they needed and deserved.
Stepping up when needed, Kevin De Bruyne 🎯
Man City are level in Madrid!#UCL pic.twitter.com/Hghto1D1oE
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 9, 2023
De Bruyne’s goal gave City the impetus required to put Real Madrid to the sword in the second leg of the tie at the Etihad. Two more assists on the night in another magical performance De Bruyne in City colors to add his catalogue of brilliant performances at Manchester City.
Kevin De Bruyne is always there when Manchester City need him. He provides leadership when required, and his creativity with the ball can destroy City’s opponents.
This Saturday’s final against Inter Milan provides the perfect chance for De Bruyne to take his throne as Manchester City’s greatest player.
