Pep praises De Bruyne as Man City humiliate Spurs
manchester — Pep Guardiola said Kevin De Bruyne incarnated Manchester City’s future after the Belgian’s sublime display inspired his side to an emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
De Bruyne smashed in City’s second goal on Saturday and had a hand in their third, scored by Raheem Sterling, who went on to complete a brace as City registered a record-extending 16th successive Premier League win.
De Bruyne’s hurtful passing repeatedly tore holes in the Spurs defence and Guardiola said that ability on the ball, allied to his exemplary work-rate, made him
Kevin is one of the most talented players and you see how he runs without the ball Pep Guardiola
a figurehead for the club’s young players.
“Kevin is one of the most talented players and you see how he runs without the ball,” said the City manager.
“You cannot imagine how good he plays with the ball, but he runs like a player in the Conference (semi-professional) league.
“It’s a good example for the young players, for our academy, for Phil Foden, for Brahim (Diaz). They know how good Kevin De Bruyne is. And when they see how he runs and he fights without the ball, that is the best example.
“He helps us to be a better club, a better institution for the future. Because that is what we want to do. His performance today, I have no words.” The one-sided win at a misty Etihad Stadium gave City a provisional 14-point lead at the top of the table, ahead of secondplace Manchester United’s trip to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. —