De Bruyne first among equals after Messi, says Guardiola
PEP GUARDIOLA insists that Kevin De Bruyne can become the best player in the Premier League and that he is the equal of any player he has coached — other than Lionel Messi.
The Belgian, who scored once and was instrumental in all of the other goals, was man of the match as Manchester City beat Bournemouth 4-0 at the Etihad, prompting Guardiola to hail his attacking midfielder as one of his greatest players with whom he has worked.
‘I think Kevin is a special player,’ he said. ‘An outstanding player. He makes everything. Without the ball, he is a fighter; and with the ball, it is clear what he can do.
‘He always decides what to do right every single time. Sometimes you have to pass, sometimes first touch, sometimes control, sometimes go and every time he decides the right decision. That’s why I am lucky to have him and I think he can enjoy his amazing football with us.
‘He is one of the best players I have worked with. When we talk about Messi, he is on his own in the table. It is not allowed, anyone else there. But in the table beside, Kevin can sit there.
‘I don’t know him too much but he seems to be a guy who likes to
be at home with his beautiful family and he loves training. Before the game he is quite relaxed.
‘Of course, he is one of the best, there is no doubt about that. To be the best in the league, it depends if he is going to win the titles.
‘There will be big challenges to that. Maybe I think he would like to win individual prizes — because every player does — but I already think he is happy when he plays like today.’
Guardiola was also full of praise for Raheem Sterling, who scored once and set up Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal for 2-0.
Sterling recently revealed he has quit monitoring social media to focus fully on his game and Guardiola said: ‘I always say to Raheem that when Aleksandar Kolarov attacks to the half way line: “Don’t stay narrow, stay wide. And when you receive the ball, you decide.” So with his dribbling in the second half, these slaloms, I’m not involved. I don’t want to be humble but that is his own quality.
‘I try to tell the players who can dribble: “Do it.” The players who don’t have that quality: “Pass the ball.” He has started really well.
‘I’m happy with the performance which was much better than against Borussia Monchengladbach.’