De Bruyne masterclass leaves Guardiola purring

MANCHESTER, Uni t ed Kingdom: Pep Guardiola said Manchester City were lucky to have Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgium midfielder inspired his team to a resounding 5- 0 victory over Premier League rivals Liverpool.

De Bruyne created goals for Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus and had a hand in one of Leroy Sane’s two strikes as City recorded their biggest win over Liverpool since March 1937.

The game hinged on Liverpool forward Sadio Mane’s 37th-minute dismissal for a shuddering headhigh challenge on Ederson that ended the City goalkeeper’s match, but Guardiola only had eyes for De Bruyne.

“Kevin is, pfff,” said the City manager, puffing out his cheeks, in his post-game press conference at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

“Wi t h hi s qua li t y, hi s commitment without the ball. He learns, he’s so intelligent. You say one instruction and he understands immediately.

“He produces a huge (number) of passes and assists. Last season he shot 15 or 16 times against the posts. We were unlucky. Hopefully this year he can help us.

“He’s quick, he always sees the spaces on the middle or outside. He runs more than anyone else. He’s good with balls to feet, he’s good attacking space.

“He is a complete player. He loves to be here with us. We are a lucky team, a lucky club to have Kevin with us. — AFP