City talisman is fit and firing
– Kevin de Bruyne (above) can’t wait to play a key role in Manchester City’s bid for a third successive Premier League title as the Belgian star finally returns to peak form and fitness.
Pep Guardiola’s side start their title defence at West Ham today with De Bruyne providing a reassuring presence.
City have bolstered their treble-winning squad with the £62 million club record signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri, while also adding accomplished Juventus fullback Joao Cancelo.
But the prospect of De Bruyne driving City forward from midfield is a mouthwatering prospect for Guardiola.
The 28-year-old was an influential figure in City’s 2017-18 Premier League title triumph, but he had only a bit-part role in last season’s domestic dominance due to knee and muscular injuries.
De Bruyne made just 22 starts before returning to prove he was still a force to be reckoned with by winning the Man-of-the-Match award in City’s FA Cup final thrashing of Watford.
He is confident those injury issues are behind him after proving to be one of the stand-out players during City’s pre-season tour.
“I’m fine. What happened last year happens to everybody,” De Bruyne said.
With De Bruyne back in their line-up, City look more formidable than ever – quite a feat after they amassed 198 points over their last two Premier League title-winning seasons.
If they can retain the crown, City will become only the fifth team in the history of English football to clinch three consecutive top-flight titles, after Huddersfield, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United (twice).
De Bruyne’s return gives Guardiola an embarrassment of riches in midfield, with Spain international Rodri likely to fill the holding role while the Belgian and David Silva swarm forward.
“He’s the perfect defensive midfielder for the way we want to play,” De Bruyne said of Rodri.
Leroy Sane’s anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in last weekend’s Community Shield against Liverpool is a blow, but City have more than enough depth to prosper without the Germany winger. – AFP
He’s the perfect defensive midfielder for the way we want to play.
Kevin de Bruyne Manchester City