De Bruyne relishes top billing
KEVIN DE BRUYNE admits Pep Guardiola’s praise has piled the pressure on him to perform like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Belgium midfielder has made an impressive start to the season and produced a masterclass in City’s 4-0 Champions League thumping of Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
His display prompted Guardiola to describe De Bruyne as one of the best players he has seen in his life.
The City boss believes De Bruyne is now in elite company and the player admits he is happy to be compared with the modern-day greats.
He said: “It makes me happy but the other way it is also a way of putting pressure on me to do well. I have tried to be more consistent since I came here and have had ups and downs but last year and the start of this year have been very good for me.
“I’m going with the flow of the team. I feel really good after good preparation.
“Physically and mentally, I’m ready to play and get a lot of confidence from the manager and the teammates around me.
“I’ve been here more than two years so I feel at home with this team – it’s a good period for me.” De Bruyne has been operating in a deeper role this season following the arrival of Bernardo Silva from Monaco.
“I get more more joy from an assist sometimes,” he said. “It’s nice to score a goal but I don’t get in that type of position too many times, as I did in the first year.
“But it doesn’t matter – I’m enjoying my football and the goals will come.”