When Kevin De Bruyne walks away from the Etihad Stadium this summer time, Manchester Metropolis gained’t simply be bidding farewell to a midfielder – they’ll be parting methods with maybe probably the most influential participant within the membership’s historical past.
Former Manchester Metropolis star Shaun Wright-Phillips believes few gamers can maintain a candle to the Belgian – ranked at no.6 in FourFourTwo’s record of the best Premier League gamers of all time – by way of their impression on English soccer.
“He must be ranked proper up there – presumably in my high 5 Premier League midfielders ever,” Wright-Phillips instructed FourFourTwo by way of Lottoland , Soccer Betting
Shaun Wright-Phillips: ‘Kevin De Bruyne is in my high 5 Premier League midfielders ever’
Shaun Wright-Phillips throughout his personal taking part in days with Manchester Metropolis (Picture credit score: Getty)
Wright-Phillips, a fan favorite throughout his two stints at Metropolis, has watched De Bruyne’s time on the membership carefully, and isn’t shocked to see the playmaker talked about alongside a number of the different nice Premier League midfielders.
“Individuals ask if Kevin is best than Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard ,” Wright-Phillips provides. “However all of them performed otherwise to Kevin. All of them performed in a different way from one another as nicely, so it’s exhausting to match them.
Kevin De Bruyne’s impression on the sport has been in comparison with that of Manchester United nice Paul Scholes.
“However by way of their impression on their very own groups, Kevin will be in comparison with these gamers. He’s been completely unimaginable for Man Metropolis and performed an enormous half within the membership’s successes over the previous 10 years.”
Since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2015 for round £55 million, De Bruyne has racked up greater than 100 assists within the Premier League – second solely to Ryan Giggs within the all-time standings.
However stats solely scratch the floor. De Bruyne has been adored by English soccer followers for his chic imaginative and prescient, vary of passing and sensational method. His signature whipped crosses and slide-rule passes have turn into a staple of Metropolis’s attacking blueprint. He isn’t only a creator; he’s a conductor.
De Bruyne has been the heartbeat of a facet that has gained 5 Premier League titles, two FA Cups, 5 League Cups and the Champions League in 2023.
Kevin De Bruyne has the second-most assists in Premier League historical past. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
He’s gained back-to-back PFA Participant of the Yr awards – in 2020 and 2021 – and the admiration of followers and pundits alike.
However maybe extra telling than the silverware or accolades is the belief Pep Guardiola has positioned in him. Whereas Metropolis’s entrance line and defence have seen fixed evolution, De Bruyne has remained the fixed.
“There’s simply not many who come near what he’s executed,” Wright-Phillips tells FFT. “Aside from possibly Bruno Fernandes over that time period.”
Quickly to be turning 34, De Bruyne is reportedly eyeing a last chapter overseas, with curiosity from Saudi Arabia and MLS mounting. Wherever occurs subsequent, Kevin De Bruyne’s time at Manchester Metropolis has been era-defining, and Wright-Phillips believes he belongs among the many greats. “He’s up there, for positive,” concludes the Englishman. Few would disagree.
